Robenson Rendel, a 37-year-old entrepreneur, was fatally shot multiple times on Sunday, January 5, 2024, in the courtyard of Notre-Dame du Perpétuel Secours Church in Delmas 75. This devout Catholic, as he stepped out of his armored vehicle to approach the church’s entrance, had his life tragically cut short before he could attend the year’s first Sunday mass or celebrate the solemnity of the Epiphany. His cruel fate met him at the church gates. The assailants, dressed in suits according to witnesses, denied him the chance to receive the last sacrament or whisper his final prayer.

The news sent shockwaves across social media. A video posted on the YouTube page Soley Lafwa, which was broadcasting the mass, shows congregants panicking upon hearing gunshots. The priest was forced to halt the service.