U.S. citizen reported missing found dead in Herrera; two men arrested

Santo Domingo.- The National Police reported Monday the discovery of the body of Andy Louissaint, 47, a Haitian-born U.S. citizen who had been reported missing since Saturday.

Louissaint was found around noon beneath a staircase at Martínez Fashion e Import, a business dedicated to the importation of bales and other commercial activities in the Buenos Aires sector of Herrera. Authorities said the body had been concealed and practically sealed inside the space with concrete and adhesive materials.

According to preliminary information, Louissaint left the apartment where he was staying on Thursday, September 10, to meet a person identified by the surname Martínez at a shopping center. Before leaving, he reportedly told a relative about the meeting. When he failed to return, the person accompanying him in the Dominican Republic contacted the individual he was supposed to meet, prompting the investigation.

The search operation involved National Police officers, members of the Fire Department and rescue organizations. As the investigation progressed, authorities, working with the Public Ministry, obtained arrest warrants for José Antonio Martínez Joseph, 41, and Juan Gabriel Marte Ramírez, 26, who remain in custody.

Police spokesman Diego Pesqueira said the discovery led authorities to transfer the case from a missing-person investigation to the Homicide Investigation Division of the National District. Although the body was found in Herrera, investigators have preliminary indications that the victim was killed within the jurisdiction of the National District.

Investigators are focusing part of their inquiries on the Martínez Fashion e Import business. Three vehicles have also been seized, along with other evidence that is undergoing analysis.

Authorities said statements obtained during interrogations have provided possible leads regarding the circumstances of the crime, but these versions have not yet been corroborated by investigators and prosecutors. The Police have therefore not officially established a motive for Louissaint’s death.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities said additional details will be released as evidence is verified and the circumstances surrounding the death are clarified.