Haitian Migrant Accused of Hammer Murder After Being Granted Temporary Protected Status

Rolbert Joachin, 40, charged with second-degree murder for allegedly killing a woman outside a Florida gas station

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:51am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the violence of the alleged hammer attack.A recent wave of violent crime involving migrants has sparked renewed debate over immigration policies and public safety.Fort Myers Today

A Haitian national named Rolbert Joachin, 40, has been charged with second-degree murder after allegedly killing a woman by repeatedly striking her with a hammer outside a gas station in Fort Myers, Florida. Surveillance footage shows Joachin smashing a vehicle's windshield before approaching the victim and hitting her multiple times. Joachin was granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) after entering the U.S. in August 2022 but his legal status expired in 2024, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Why it matters

The killing has prompted backlash from several Republican lawmakers, who say the suspect should not have been in the United States. The Biden administration's immigration policies at the southern border have drawn criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and prompted bipartisan backlash in Congress.

The details

Authorities say Joachin first entered the United States in August 2022 and was subsequently released into the country under the Biden administration. He was later granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a humanitarian program allowing nationals of certain countries to remain in the United States temporarily. However, his legal status expired in 2024. Joachin is now charged with second-degree murder and criminal property damage following the fatal attack on April 3.

  • Joachin first entered the U.S. in August 2022.
  • Joachin was granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) after entering the country.
  • Joachin's TPS legal status expired in 2024.
  • The fatal attack occurred on April 3, 2026.

The players

Rolbert Joachin

A 40-year-old Haitian national charged with second-degree murder and criminal property damage for allegedly killing a woman by repeatedly striking her with a hammer outside a gas station in Fort Myers, Florida.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that said Joachin first entered the United States in August 2022 and was subsequently released into the country under the Biden administration, later granting him Temporary Protected Status (TPS) which expired in 2024.

Fort Myers Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that arrested Joachin and said he was charged with second-degree murder and criminal property damage.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that assisted the Fort Myers Police Department in locating and arresting Rolbert Joachin.

Victim

A gas station clerk and mother of two who was killed in the attack, though her identity has not been formally released by authorities.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Absolutely unconscionable. Not only do Democrats continue to try to defund law enforcement, they actively worked to shield this monster from deportation under the Biden Administration.”

— Senator Ashley Moody, Florida Republican

“DHS has been shutdown for 52 days because Democrats REFUSE to fund the agencies responsible for detaining and deporting these ANIMALS. He should have NEVER been in our country in the first place. It's time to STOP PLAYING GAMES with our national security.”

— Senator Tommy Tuberville, Alabama Republican

“This illegal alien barbarically hit this woman in the head multiple times with a hammer. This heinous murderer was RELEASED into the country by the Biden administration. Not only did the Biden administration release him into the country, but they then gave him Temporary Protected Status. Their reckless immigration policies cost this woman her life. The arrest of this criminal is an example of how ICE and local authorities can work together to swiftly bring criminals to justice and make our communities safer.”

— Lauren Bis, DHS Acting Assistant Secretary

What’s next

Immigration authorities have lodged a detainer against Joachin, meaning he will face deportation proceedings after the criminal case, according to DHS.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policies, border security, and the balance between humanitarian programs like Temporary Protected Status and public safety concerns. It underscores the need for comprehensive immigration reform that addresses these complex issues.