Key Suspect in Haitian President’s Murder Caught in Jamaica

A key suspect in Haitian President’s Jovenel Moïse murder is now in the custody of the Jamaican police. International news outlets say former Columbian military officer Mario Antonio Palacios, one of the most wanted men by Haitian justice was arrested in Jamaica recently. It is believed that the suspect in the Haitian President’s murder entered Jamaica through an illegal port, according to law enforcement officials. The corporate communications unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, (JCF) confirmed his arrest.

The JCF in a statement on Thursday, October 21, “…confirmed that an individual alleging to be a Colombian national has been arrested in Jamaica on immigration breaches.” The JCF further shares “he has subsequently become the subject of an Interpol red notice as of …, October 21, 2021. The JCF says they are working international partners in line with established treaties and protocols.”

According to Haitian police, Palacios was part of the four-member delta team that allegedly invaded the President’s bedroom on July 7. The President was shot 12 times and had bullet wounds to his forehead and several to his torso. His left eye had been gouged out and bones in his arm and his ankle had been broken, according to one of the judges conducting the investigation. His wife Martine Moïse was also shot but survived. Two of the team members were killed by Haitian police.

More than 40 suspects have been arrested so far in the presidential slaying, including 18 former Colombian soldiers and several Haitian police officers. Haitian authorities have said the mastermind behind the killing is still at large.

More in this CVM Live story from Jhaneille Powell: