A senior inspector of the Haitian National Police (HNP), Hold Jean Esterlin, was murdered by gun on Tuesday 30 December 2025 in Fort-Jacques, in the commune of Kenscoff. The facts occurred in front of a commercial establishment. A suspect was identified, searches were conducted and a thorough investigation was ordered by the Directorate General of the PNH.
Chief Inspector Hold Jean Esterlin, head of the Fort-Jacques subcommissariat, was fatally hit by gunfire on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at about 7 p.m., in front of the Sheeshees Food Club in Fort-Jacques. The information was confirmed in a press note published on Wednesday 31 December 2025 by the Police Communications Directorate (DICOP).
According to the first elements of the investigation, the victim was hit by two projectiles, one of which was stopped by his bulletproof vest. Despite this protection, the chief inspector succumbed to his injuries.
The preliminary investigation identified Louis Marcus, alias « 50 », owner of the establishment before which the crime was committed, as alleged to have committed the murder. Searches were carried out at his home and at the club, leading to the arrest of Johnny Roseus, presented as his brother-in-law.
The police conducted the findings on the scene and seized a surveillance camera, under the supervision of a justice of the peace and with the support of a team from the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ).
Faced with the gravity of the facts, the Directorate General of the National Police of Haiti (DG-PNH) instructed the General Inspectorate of the PNH (IG-PNH) and the DCPJ to open a thorough investigation in order to identify, interrogate and bring to justice all those responsible involved in this assassination.
In its note, the PNH offered its condolences to the family of Chief Inspector Hold Jean Esterlin, his relatives and his colleagues and brothers in arms. The police institution reaffirms its commitment to clarify this act and to ensure that justice is done.
W.A.
