Dominican Republic: 30-Year Sentence for Murder in Puerto Plata and Investigation into Haitian Man’s Killing in Pedro Brand

Justice: 30-year prison sentence for the murder of a farmer in Puerto Plata

On March 11, 2026, a court in the judicial district of Puerto Plata sentenced Haitian national Wilny Jacques to 30 years in prison for the murder of 89-year-old farmer Domingo Acosta.

The crime occurred in May 2025 in the community of Estero Hondo, located in the municipality of Villa Isabela.

According to the Dominican public prosecutor’s office, the defendant entered the victim’s residence with the intention of committing robbery and allegedly attacked him with a bladed weapon.

During the trial, prosecutors presented several pieces of evidence, including security footage, witness testimony, the autopsy report, and items recovered during the investigation. The court found the defendant guilty of aggravated robbery, homicide, and violation of the Dominican weapons law.

He will serve his sentence at the San Felipe Correction and Rehabilitation Center.

Investigation: Haitian citizen killed after alleged theft in Pedro Brand

In a separate incident, a Haitian citizen was found dead on March 11, 2026, in Pedro Brand, in the Polonia section, after allegedly being caught stealing bananas from a local farm.

According to the Dominican National Police, the victim who has not been identified due to the absence of official documents had multiple wounds caused by a bladed weapon.

The body was discovered around 7:30 a.m. by residents in the area, who alerted the farm’s owner, Andrés Valerio de los Santos, 76.

Authorities, including investigators from the Dirección Central de Investigación Criminal and forensic police units, arrived at the scene to collect evidence and secure the area.

The body was later transferred to the Instituto Nacional de Patología Forense for medico-legal examination.

According to preliminary findings, the killing may have been carried out by other Haitian workers present on the farm who allegedly caught the victim in the act of theft.

Police said investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible.

Soraya Ades.