Two Arrested in Dominican Republic for Fatal Shooting of Quebec Teen on Vacation
Two men have been arrested in the Dominican Republic in connection with the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old Quebec man, Tristan Primeaux-Poitras, who was killed while on vacation with his family early Monday. The island nation's national police confirmed the arrests of 23-year-old Jordi Yunior Severiano and 30-year-old Rangel Merete Rodriguez, both residents of Puerto Plata, where the incident occurred.
Details of the Arrests and Investigation
The suspects were initially detained on Wednesday for narcotics possession before being questioned about the shooting, according to Dominican police spokesperson Diego Pesqueria. At least six individuals have been taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation, as reported by Le Journal de Quebec. The family was staying at the Senator Hotel, located approximately 10 kilometres from the city centre of Puerto Plata.
Circumstances of the Tragic Incident
Dominican authorities stated that Primeaux-Poitras and his brother left the Riu Bachata hotel around 4 a.m. on Monday on a scooter to purchase food. On their return journey about 20 minutes later, they were chased by two individuals on a motorcycle with the intent of robbery. One of the motorcycle occupants fired a shot that struck Primeaux-Poitras on the left side of his body, leading to his death in a hospital later.
In a Facebook post, the municipality of Sainte-Julienne, Quebec, identified Primeaux-Poitras as a local resident and expressed condolences to his family and loved ones. The Dominican police have transported his body to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences in Santiago for examination, and the case remains under active investigation.
