18 Haiti Assassination Suspects Extradited to Florida for Trial
Eighteen individuals arrested in the July 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse are now slated to be tried in Florida, marking the culmination of a protracted legal saga in Haiti. The extradition follows multiple U.S. convictions and underscores the international effort to hold thos…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Sunday, a landmark decision was announced: eighteen suspects linked to the July 2021 killing of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse will be extradited to the United States to stand trial in Florida. The move signals the end of a drawn‑out judicial process that had left Haiti grappling with questions of justice and accountability for years.
Who Are the Accused?
The group includes more than a dozen Colombian soldiers, a former Haitian government official, and other individuals who were arrested in Haiti following the assassination. While the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Reding Quiñones, did not disclose names, the indictment lists 30 people in total. Among them are the four men—Arcángel Pretel Ortiz, Antonio Intriago, Walter Veintemilla, and James Solages—who were convicted in Florida in May 2026 for conspiring to kill or kidnap the president.
Background of the Assassination
President Moïse was shot and stabbed outside his home in Petionville on July 7, 2021. The attack left his wife, former First Lady Martine Moïse, wounded. The incident shocked a nation already mired in political instability and economic hardship. Investigations revealed a complex plot involving foreign operatives, including Colombian soldiers, and alleged connections to former Haitian leaders.
In March 2024, Martine Moïse testified in a Miami federal court, describing the assault in graphic detail and accusing former President Michel Martelly and former Prime Minister Ariel Henry of ties to the plot. Her testimony added a personal dimension to the case and highlighted the broader political intrigue surrounding the murder.
Legal Proceedings in Haiti and the U.S.
Following the assassination, Haitian authorities detained several suspects and began a series of court hearings. In January 2025, a Court of Appeals panel in Port-au-Prince heard a case involving Colombian men accused of participation in the plot. Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, led by Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles, coordinated arrests both domestically and abroad, ensuring that individuals who profited from the crime were pursued.
The extradition is part of a larger U.S. strategy to prosecute those involved. In May 2026, a jury in Florida convicted four men of conspiracy, while at least five others pleaded guilty and are serving life sentences. The U.S. prosecutors maintain that the trial will also target financiers, facilitators, and supporters of the plot.
What Happens Next?
The extradition process will involve formal legal procedures in both Haiti and the United States. Once the suspects arrive in Florida, they will face federal charges that could result in life imprisonment or longer, depending on the outcomes of their trials. Haitian officials have expressed hope that the proceedings will bring closure to a case that has haunted the nation for years.
While the extradition marks a significant step, many questions remain. The full extent of the conspiracy, the identities of those who financed the operation, and the potential involvement of high‑level Haitian officials are still under investigation. The U.S. and Haitian authorities will likely continue to collaborate to uncover all facets of the plot.
Why This Matters
The extradition underscores the international community’s commitment to justice in cases that cross borders. It also highlights the challenges Haiti faces in addressing political violence and ensuring accountability for its leaders.
Key facts
- 18 suspects extradited to Florida for trial
- Group includes Colombian soldiers and former Haitian officials
- Four men already convicted; others plead guilty
- Martine Moïse’s testimony links former leaders
- Legal process continues in both Haiti and U.S.
Why it matters
The extradition demonstrates a global effort to hold those responsible for political violence accountable, offering a potential path to justice for Haiti’s shaken citizens.
Frequently asked questions
What charges will the extradited suspects face?
They will be tried on federal conspiracy and murder charges in Florida.
Will the trial be held in the U.S. or Haiti?
The trial will take place in Florida, following the extradition.
What is the status of Martine Moïse’s case?
She was indicted in Haiti for complicity but her attorney calls the charges unjust.
Sources
- [1] cbsnews.com — originally reported as “18 suspects in killing of Haiti's president being extradited to Florida for trial”
