Haiti's Former First Lady Testifies in Husband's Assassination Trial

Martine Moïse gives emotional firsthand account of the night her husband, Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, was killed.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a Miami federal courtroom, Martine Moïse, the widow of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, tearfully took the stand and gave jurors a firsthand account of the terrifying night her husband was killed inside their home in Petionville, Haiti. The trial is for four South Florida men accused of helping plan the assassination.

Why it matters

The assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 was a shocking event that plunged the country into political turmoil. Martine Moïse's emotional testimony provides a rare, personal perspective on the tragedy and the ongoing legal proceedings against the alleged masterminds behind the plot.

The details

Martine Moïse testified that she and her husband had been married nearly 25 years and that he faced strong political opposition during his presidency, including a failed coup attempt in 2021. On the night of the assassination, she said she woke up to gunfire around 1 a.m. and found her husband had been shot. She tried to shield herself and their children as the shooting continued, but was also shot and seriously wounded.

  • On July 6, 2021, Martine Moïse went to bed around 10 p.m. while her husband remained awake working.
  • Around 1 a.m. on July 7, 2021, Martine Moïse woke up to the sound of gunfire.

The players

Martine Moïse

The widow of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, who was shot and seriously wounded during the assassination of her husband.

Jovenel Moïse

The former president of Haiti who was assassinated inside his home in Petionville, Haiti in 2021.

Arcangel Pretel Ortiz, Antonio Intriago, Walter Veintemilla, and James Solages

Four South Florida men accused of helping plan the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I am Martine Moïse. I told Jo I promised Jo I'd never cry again. I've been waiting for so long. Please forgive me if I am crying.”

— Martine Moïse (CBS News Miami)

“Honey, we are dead.”

— Jovenel Moïse, Haitian President (CBS News Miami)

What’s next

The trial is scheduled to continue on Wednesday at 9 a.m., when Martine Moïse is expected to provide more details about the moments when the gunmen entered the home and opened fire.

The takeaway

Martine Moïse's emotional testimony provides a firsthand account of the tragic assassination of her husband, Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, and the ongoing legal proceedings against the alleged masterminds behind the plot. Her testimony sheds light on the political turmoil and security challenges facing Haiti at the time of the president's death.