Kenol Baptiste Death – News 12 has obtained information regarding the identities of two Haitian asylum-seekers who were reportedly fatally stabbed by their roommate in Middletown on Monday. According to a criminal complaint acquired by News 12, Marie Saint Vilus and Rosbert Myrtil lost their lives in the incident at 33 Ruth Court. The roommate, 30-year-old Kenol Baptiste, who was also seeking asylum from Haiti, has been taken into custody and charged with murder.
Baptiste appeared in City of Middletown Court on Monday morning, but the hearing was postponed for a grand jury to examine the case. A notice of indictment was submitted to the court in the afternoon, as confirmed by Orange County District Attorney Dave Hoovler. Marie Pereira, an attorney and Haitian immigration advocate who assisted the victims in their work authorization requests, informed News 12 that she has been in contact with the victims’ acquaintances.
Pereira stated, “Everyone is in disbelief because the perpetrator was perceived as a kind, gentle, hardworking young immigrant with no prior history of violence.” Baptiste is currently under a deportation hold at Orange County Jail.