Widow of Haiti President Testifies About His Assassination at U.S. Trial

Four men charged with conspiracy in the killing of Jovenel Moïse face possible life sentences.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The widow of Haiti's former president, Jovenel Moïse, testified in a U.S. federal trial about the 2021 assassination of her husband. Martine Moïse described being shot and wounded during the attack by foreign mercenaries at their home near Port-au-Prince. Four men are charged with conspiracy in the killing, which led to unprecedented turmoil in Haiti.

Why it matters

The assassination of Jovenel Moïse, Haiti's last elected president, plunged the Caribbean nation into a political crisis, with gang violence and a crumbling judicial system stalling the investigation. Martine Moïse's testimony provides a firsthand account of the attack that killed her husband and the ongoing legal proceedings in the U.S. against those allegedly involved.

The details

Martine Moïse testified that she and her husband were in bed when they were awoken by gunfire around 1 a.m. on July 7, 2021. She said the attackers, mostly Colombian mercenaries, burst into their bedroom and opened fire, striking her several times. Jovenel Moïse was killed in the attack. Martine Moïse said she later learned the 30 to 50 security officers assigned to protect the house had been paid to leave their posts.

  • The attack occurred around 1 a.m. on July 7, 2021.
  • Martine Moïse testified in the U.S. federal trial on March 12, 2026.

The players

Jovenel Moïse

Haiti's last elected president, who was assassinated in 2021.

Martine Moïse

The widow of Jovenel Moïse, who was shot and wounded during the attack on their home.

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

Four men charged with conspiracy in the U.S. federal trial for their alleged roles in the assassination of Jovenel Moïse.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Honey, we are dead,”

— Jovenel Moïse (Martine Moïse's testimony)

What’s next

The U.S. federal trial is expected to last more than two months, with the judge blocking out the time for the proceedings.

The takeaway

The assassination of Haiti's president has had far-reaching consequences, plunging the country into political turmoil and stalling the investigation due to gang violence, death threats, and a crumbling judicial system. Martine Moïse's firsthand account of the attack provides a harrowing glimpse into the events that led to her husband's death and the ongoing efforts to hold those responsible accountable.