A chocolatier from the United States and his suspected partner have been accused of killing a Canadian innovator in animation and owner of an eco-resort in the Caribbean island of Dominica. The bodies of the innovator and his partner were discovered in a car that had been set on fire.
On Wednesday, Jonathan Lehrer, 57, and Robert Snider appeared in Roseau’s magistrates court to be charged with the killings of Daniel Langlois and Dominique Marchand. They did not plead guilty or not guilty.
Teacher possesses land adjacent to Coulibri Ridge, a high-end environmentally-friendly vacation destination managed by Langlois and Marchand, recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as a top spot for 2023 and by Travel + Leisure as the most sustainable resort in the world. It has been stated that he has been involved in a disagreement with the couple concerning a public thoroughfare that crosses through Teacher’s cocoa plantation.
According to sources in the area, Langlois and Marchand were ambushed and murdered before their vehicle crashed into a ravine and caught fire on Friday.
According to reports, the fire that consumed their bodies was extremely strong, leading authorities to rely on indirect evidence to identify them. Dominica’s national security minister, Rayburn Blackmoore, stated on a public radio station that this heinous and savage act cannot be overlooked and the perpetrators must be held accountable.
Two individuals, Lehrer and Snyder, have been charged in connection with the crime, while four people have been arrested overall. Their next court appearance is scheduled for March.
Lehrer is the proprietor of the Bois Cotlette estate, which produces chocolate. His father, Robert Lehrer, stated to the Journal de Montréal that his son is “a prosperous entrepreneur, not a killer.”
“I find it difficult to believe… He was frustrated with the continual illegal crossings on his designated route, and it greatly bothered him. However, it has been some time since I have received any updates,” he stated.
As reported by the Journal, Lehrer and Langlois were in disagreement over the Morne Rouge road, which crosses Lehrer’s land and serves as the sole entrance to the eco-resort. Langlois had allegedly arranged a protest against Lehrer.
In 2018, Lehrer attempted to obstruct the pathway by placing rocks, metal pipes, and digging a trench. However, the eastern Caribbean supreme court declared it a public road funded by taxpayers. While the option of building a second road was considered, mediation was chosen instead and eventually, Langlois’ workers and visitors were granted full access.
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Langlois was a pioneer in computer animation and created 3D animation software that was utilized in popular films such as Jurassic Park, Titanic, The Matrix, and the Harry Potter and Pirates of the Caribbean series. In 1994, Langlois sold his company, Softimage, to Microsoft for $200 million.
The pair dedicated 15 years constructing Coulibri Ridge, situated on a 285-acre plot of land, with a five-year setback due to Hurricane Maria in 2017. The property boasts five three-story cottages, its own mini power grid, a system for collecting rainwater, 90 solar panels, and a spa accessible by appointment only. There are also 40 employees and three infinity pools on site.
The National Film Board of Canada expressed their deep sorrow upon hearing about the tragic passing of Daniel Langlois on X, previously known as Twitter. They acknowledged his immense impact on the world of cinema.
Source: theguardian.com
