Widow Testifies in Miami Trial Over Haiti President’s Killing

Martine Moïse was the first witness called in the Miami trial of the people accused of plotting the murder of her husband, Jovenel Moïse, in 2021. She choked back tears as she began testifying in Federal District Court, breaking down after saying, "Please forgive me," and adding, "I promised Jo I would never cry again.

I have been waiting so long." She described being awakened at about 1 a.m. by gunfire and turning to find her husband in shock. "I looked in his eyes. He was in shock," she said, recalling that he told her, "Honey, we are dead." Mr. Moïse was gunned down at point blank range just before 2 a.m.

Ms. Moïse said her elbow was shattered; she entered and left the courtroom with her lower right arm at a crooked angle, and prosecutors say the injury is permanent. Prosecutors say a Miami-area security firm, Counter Terrorist Unit Federal Academy (CTU), orchestrated a monthslong conspiracy to overthrow the president and secure lucrative security contracts.

United States, Miami

martine moïse, jovenel moïse, miami trial, haiti president, assassination, murder plot, ctu, security firm, conspiracy, federal court