Haitian National Charged with Murder After Wife Shot Outside Walmart

Destino Jean Louis, a Haitian national, has been charged with murder following the shooting of his estranged wife outside a Walmart in Pennsylvania. The incident is said to stem from the couple’s marital issues, as outlined in court documents and a press release from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.

Jean Louis was arrested by U.S. Marshals on Friday morning in Philadelphia. His arrest was initially for immigration violations, specifically for overstaying his visa, which he had obtained through a now-discontinued relief program for Haitians. While he was in federal custody, he was also charged with murder, as indicated by authorities.

According to the U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia, Jean Louis, 23, was detained on the 6600 block of N. 18th St for immigration issues and was considered the main suspect in the fatal shooting of 45-year-old Latosha Ann Cooper, his estranged wife, on October 21, shortly after she finished her shift at Walmart.

Cooper and Jean Louis had only recently married in March, but investigators revealed that immigration officials deemed their marriage fraudulent, suggesting it was merely a tactic for immigration benefits.

In July, Cooper decided to withdraw her petition to sponsor Jean Louis’ visa, according to documents reviewed by local news outlet Fox29.

As for the incident, it’s reported that Jean Louis concealed himself near a bush outside the Walmart, donning a mask and waiting for Cooper to complete her shift. When she exited the store, he allegedly approached her and shot her fatally.

Further court filings revealed that Jean Louis, previously employed at the Walmart, had been terminated due to immigration issues. He had a history of violent behavior towards Cooper and had made several attempts to reach out to store employees for her work schedule.

Authorities also tracked multiple trips made by Jean Louis between his home in Philadelphia and the Walmart in Cheltenham prior to the shooting, suggesting a deliberate pattern of behavior.

As a result, Jean Louis now faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, third-degree murder, illegal possession of a firearm as an undocumented immigrant, carrying a firearm without a license, and possession of an instrument for criminal intent.

Currently, Jean Louis is being held without bail at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility, as noted in court documents.