Second Officer Charged in Teen's Murder
A second police officer has been charged in connection with the death of teenager Jerbiah Paul after decomposed remains were found in Dominica. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, with both accused remanded to the State Prison and a preliminary inquiry set for October 2, 2026.
Two police officers now face murder charges in the death of 16-year-old (or teen) Jerbiah Paul, Dominican authorities confirmed following an ongoing investigation that uncovered alleged efforts to conceal the crime. Twenty-three-year-old former police constable Jean-Luc Langlais was arrested, charged with homicide, dismissed from the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force and remanded to the State Prison.
A fellow officer, identified in court as Hamlet, was also charged; because murder is an indictable offence he was not required to enter a plea and was remanded to the State Prison pending a preliminary inquiry scheduled for October 2, 2026. Hamlet was represented at his court appearance by Attorney-at-Law Dawn Yearwood-Stewart.
The prosecution was led by Kevin Julien and Gabrielle St. Authorities have said the probe remains active and have not ruled out further charges as new evidence emerges. Police reported Jerbiah Paul missing on July 24. On August 12 severely decomposed human remains were located in a precipice in Capuchin and later linked to the missing teenager; officials said DNA testing will be required to confirm identity.
At a news conference announcing the charges, Police Chief Lincoln Corbette said the investigation was continuing and vowed that "no stone would be left unturned." He urged anyone with information to come forward. Investigators allege there was an attempt to create false social media accounts to give the impression that Paul was still alive, a move authorities say was meant to conceal her death.
That alleged cover-up is under investigation alongside the homicide charges. The developments have raised concerns about police conduct and accountability in Dominica and the wider region. For residents of the British Virgin Islands, the case underscores the importance of transparent investigations when law enforcement personnel are implicated in serious crimes.
Regional police cooperation and independent oversight are likely to attract attention as the case proceeds through the courts. As the inquiry continues, authorities have encouraged witnesses to report information to local police. Court lawyers and the prosecution are preparing for the preliminary inquiry on October 2, 2026, which will determine whether the case proceeds to trial.
The investigation remains ongoing and officials have indicated they will release further details as legal and forensic steps are completed.
Primary source: VINO