Man Charged in Brutal Attack on Florida Store Employee

Authorities say the suspect, a Haitian immigrant, had been granted temporary protected status that later expired.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:42pm

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A photorealistic painting of a hammer lying on the ground in front of a dimly lit convenience store, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the weight of the tragic incident.The brutal attack on a Florida store employee exposes the complex intersection of immigration, crime, and political rhetoric.Fort Myers Today

A 40-year-old man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and property damage after allegedly using a hammer to brutally attack and kill a 51-year-old woman outside a convenience store in Fort Myers, Florida. The suspect, Rolbert Joachin, is a Haitian immigrant who had been granted Temporary Protected Status that later expired, according to authorities.

Why it matters

The incident has become politically charged, with former President Trump sharing graphic footage of the attack on social media and using it to criticize Democratic immigration policies that provide temporary protections for some immigrants. However, studies show immigrants generally commit crimes at lower rates than native-born Americans.

The details

According to court records, on the morning of April 2, police responded to reports of a man using a hammer to smash a vehicle and attack a woman outside a Fort Myers convenience store. The woman, identified as 51-year-old Nilufa Easmin, an employee of the store, was found lying on the ground with blood around her head and later pronounced dead. Authorities arrested Joachin, who they say provided a detailed confession about the murder. Surveillance video from the crime scene was admitted as evidence.

  • On April 2, police responded to the attack at the Fort Myers convenience store.
  • On April 3, Joachin was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and property damage.
  • On May 4, Joachin is scheduled for arraignment.

The players

Rolbert Joachin

A 40-year-old man who was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and property damage in the brutal attack on a convenience store employee in Fort Myers, Florida.

Nilufa Easmin

A 51-year-old employee of the Fort Myers convenience store who was killed in the attack.

Temporary Protected Status

A program that has allowed some 350,000 Haitian immigrants to live and work in the United States since an earthquake ravaged Haiti in 2010.

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What they’re saying

“I don't recommend you watch this tape, because it is so terrible, but felt I had an obligation to put it up so that people can see what Democrats are protecting.”

— Donald Trump, Former President

“President Trump will always share the truth with the American people, even when the media tries to hide it.”

— Abigail Jackson, White House Spokesperson

What’s next

Joachin's arraignment is scheduled for May 4, where he will face charges of first-degree murder and third-degree property damage.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has become politically charged, with former President Trump using it to criticize Democratic immigration policies. However, studies show immigrants generally commit crimes at lower rates than native-born Americans, and the broader debate over immigration reform and public safety remains complex.