A federal jury in Miami found four men guilty on Friday of conspiracy to assassinate former Haitian President Jovenel Moïse [1], [2].
The convictions mark a significant step in the legal pursuit of those responsible for the 2021 attack that destabilized Haiti's political landscape. The verdict provides a rare instance of accountability in a case involving a high-profile international assassination executed by a foreign commando unit.
The defendants, Arcángel Pretel Ortiz, Antonio Intriago, Walter Veintemilla, and James Solages, were convicted in Miami, Florida [3], [4]. The jury determined that the four men were part of an armed commando that entered the private residence of Moïse on July 7, 2021 [2], [5].
According to evidence presented during the trial, the group's mission was to kidnap or kill the head of state [2]. The operation resulted in the death of the president in his own home, an event that triggered a prolonged period of political turmoil in Haiti [5].
This trial was held in a U.S. federal court, reflecting the international nature of the conspiracy and the involvement of foreign nationals [3], [4]. The legal process focused on the coordination and planning required to breach the security of the Haitian leader's residence.
While the specific roles of each man varied, the jury found that all four participated in the overarching conspiracy to remove Moïse from power through violence [1], [2]. The verdict was delivered on May 8, 2026 [2], [3].
“Four men found guilty of conspiracy to assassinate former Haitian President Jovenel Moïse.”
These convictions in a U.S. court underscore the reach of American jurisdiction over international conspiracies that involve U.S. territory or citizens. By securing guilty verdicts against members of the commando unit, the U.S. justice system provides a legal record of the events of July 2021, which may influence future extradition requests and trials in Haiti as the country continues to struggle with institutional instability.
