Jonathan Lehrer

Jonathan Lehrer, a former chocolatier and hotelier from New Jersey, gained notoriety in Dominica for his involvement in a gruesome double homicide that shocked the island. Lehrer, who moved to Dominica to establish a luxury plantation and eco-resort, has since been convicted for the murders of Canadian nationals Daniel Langlois and Dominique Marchand in December 2023. Once regarded as a successful entrepreneur, his story has become a cautionary tale about land disputes, business conflicts, and tragic outcomes.

Investments and Business Ventures in Dominica

Jonathan Lehrer owned the Bois Cotlette Estate, a historic 53-acre property located near Soufrière in  the south of Dominica. Dating back to the early 18th century, Bois Cotlette is one of the island’s oldest surviving estates, renowned for its French colonial architecture and historical significance.

Lehrer acquired the estate with the vision of developing it into a self-sufficient operation, focusing on the cultivation and processing of cocoa and coffee. The estate was designed to grow its own food, capture its own water, and generate its own green energy, aligning with sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

The property also offered heritage tours, allowing visitors to explore its rich history and experience the restored plantation house and processing facilities. These tours provided insights into the estate’s past and its role in Dominica’s agricultural heritage.

However, his estate bordered the 200-acre Coulibri Ridge, an award-winning eco-resort owned by Langlois and Marchand. Their property became internationally recognized for its off-grid, sustainable design and contributions to Dominica’s tourism industry. Despite their shared interest in eco-tourism, tensions escalated between Lehrer and the Canadian couple over the use of a public road running through Lehrer’s property, which provided access to Coulibri Ridge. Lehrer obstructed the road with boulders and trenches, prompting Langlois to pursue legal action.

In 2019, Dominica’s High Court ruled in favor of Langlois, declaring the road a public right-of-way and granting unrestricted access to Coulibri Ridge guests. This decision intensified the feud between the two parties, sowing deeper resentment.

The Murders of Daniel Langlois and Dominique Marchand

On December 4, 2023, Langlois and Marchand were reported missing. Days later, their charred remains were discovered in a burnt vehicle near Galion in Dominica’s south. Autopsies confirmed they had suffered traumatic injuries before their deaths. The case shocked the island, with many residents mourning the loss of the couple, who had made significant contributions to sustainable tourism.

Lehrer and his associate, Robert Snider Jr., were arrested and charged with the murders. Investigators alleged that the killings were premeditated and linked to the ongoing land dispute. Snider, a former employee of Lehrer, was accused of assisting in the execution of the crime.

Legal Proceedings and Current Status

Lehrer and Snider were charged with murder in December 2023. Initially denied bail, Lehrer’s legal team appealed for his release, citing the complexity of the case and his health concerns. In November 2024, the High Court granted Lehrer bail set at EC$1 million, with strict conditions, including house arrest and the surrender of his U.S. passport.

The case has faced numerous delays, with the preliminary inquiry adjourned multiple times. As of December 2024, Lehrer and Snider remain under strict legal scrutiny, with the inquiry scheduled to continue in February 2025.

Impact on Dominica and Legacy of the Victims

Langlois and Marchand were well-regarded for their contributions to Dominica’s tourism sector. Coulibri Ridge became a model of sustainable development, attracting eco-conscious travelers and supporting local communities. Their tragic deaths highlighted the darker side of land disputes and foreign investments on the island.

Lehrer’s story serves as a grim reminder of how business conflicts can spiral into devastating consequences. The case has drawn attention to the need for improved conflict resolution mechanisms and the importance of fostering collaborative relationships between investors in Dominica.