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Port-de-Paix residents have called for increased security after judicial authorities suspended senior police officer Luckenson César, who is accused of killing 39-year-old Haitian American Weithzer Ervens Fénélon. The victim was on a business trip in the region where he was developing a sugarcane plantation along with a transformation factory, according to his family.
PORT-DE-PAIX — The alleged killing of 39-year-old Haitian American entrepreneur Weithzer Ervens Fénélon by Haitian National Police officers in Haiti’s Northwest Department has sparked public outrage and renewed fears of gang infiltration in Port-de-Paix. Judicial authorities say Fénélon, arrested on suspicion of money laundering, was killed on March 27 in La Saline, a locality about three miles west of the city, by members of the Departmental Unit for the Maintenance of Order (UDMO).
Witnesses said Fénélon, who showed his American identification and proof of his legitimate business activities in the region, was taken from his cousin’s home on Rue Charlemagne Péralte around 11 a.m. The officers then transported him to an isolated area on the outskirts of the city, where he was brutally murdered. His head and limbs were severed, and his body was burned, according to a report from Justice of the Peace Court Conce Aurélien.
Following the killing and a complaint from the victim’s family, judicial authorities issued an arrest warrant against Senior Officer Luckenson César, a prominent figure in the fight against gangs and violent crime in the Northwest Department for over nine years. The move created widespread panic among residents, who fear that gangs will now overrun the city in César’s absence.
“The officer acted outside the orders of his superior and failed to inform the courts. It appears he was handling his own matters with the individual.”
Jeir Pierre, Government Commissioner
“Despite the victim telling the police he was an American citizen of Haitian origin, showing identification and legitimate documents of his business activities, that didn’t stop them from arresting, killing, and mutilating him,” said Guerda Thanélus, Fénélon’s cousin.
The victim’s father, Saint-Victor Fénélon, accused the police of extortion and murder. Saint-Victor stated that at the time of his arrest, the Haitian American entrepreneur had approximately US$104,000 in cash, consisting of US$100,000 and 500,000 gourdes, Haiti’s currency. Weithzer was heading to the Sauval farming community in Jean-Rabel—a commune about 24 miles west of Port-de-Paix—where he was working on constructing a sugarcane plantation and a liquor factory, Saint-Victor said.
Public outrage and calls for justice
The victim’s family filed a formal complaint against César. Judicial authorities suspended the officer and initiated public action against him on April 7. However, no further information has been provided on what concrete steps have been taken to hold him and other accomplices accountable since then.
“The police work with the courts. Any action taken by police must be reviewed and validated by the justice system,” said Jeir Pierre, Government Commissioner of the Port-de-Paix Prosecutor’s Office.
Pierre added during a press conference that other officers were present during the killing, but their identities have not been disclosed.
“It’s true that we need security in the region, but we cannot agree to the deaths of innocent people,” Pierre said.
While some residents praised César’s efforts to maintain order and boast a constant presence against potential gang attacks on the city, others accused him of abuse. “Even if many appreciate his work, others complain of assaults carried out under his watch,” Government Commissioner Pierre conceded.
Judicial officials have requested the PNH General Inspectorate to locate and arrest César so he can stand trial.
No matter how high your rank, justice requires your presence when summoned,” Pierre added.
“When I learned of the action, I was in the gym and received calls from people who told me what had happened. The court’s decision against me is unjust.”
Police officer Luckenson César
Residents worry that César’s removal leaves Port-de-Paix vulnerable to gangs like Kokorat San Ras, based in Bassin Bleu’s Tibwadòm, less than 18 miles away. Residents say the gang has long sought to expand into Port-de-Paix.
“We call on police and judicial authorities to urgently implement measures to protect our communities,” said Cherley Salomon, 28.
“I urge all residents to stay vigilant,” said Willy Eugène, 27. “We must mount our own brigade to ensure our security.”
César maintains innocence
While judicial authorities have yet to arrest Officer Luckenson César or others despite the warrant, he spoke with The Haitian Times in a phone interview and denied involvement in the crime.
“When I learned of the incident, I was at the gym. The decision against me is unjust,” César said.
Despite his denials, the justice system is pressing forward. PNH authorities in the northwest say they are committed to executing the warrant, although local enforcement efforts appear slow.
“The officer acted outside the orders of his superior and failed to inform the courts,” said Commissioner Pierre. “It appears he was handling his own matters with the individual.”
As Haiti’s insecurity deepens, residents of Port-de-Paix demand transparency, accountability, and protection from the gangs threatening their city.