The investigating judge at the First Instance Court of Fort-Liberté, Me Kerby Joseph, issued his closing order on October 19, 2026, in the case of the assassination of lawyer Me Albert Joseph, who was shot dead on September 24, 2025, in Ouanaminthe. In this decision, the magistrate orders the transfer of eight defendants to the criminal court sitting with a jury, while dismissing four others for whom he believes there is insufficient evidence.

The eight individuals sent to trial are Frantzlo Similien, alias Silo, Ride Raphaël, Emmanuel Raphaël, Simpson Charles Amazan, Jean Max Métellus, known as Cadavre, Juventz Jean-Baptiste, Bruno Charles, known as Jhonn, and Tikè. They are charged with acts classified as murder and complicity in murder. The judge also ordered their detention to ensure their appearance before the criminal jurisdiction.