Jovenel Moise assassination: Wife of Haitian leader says she was left for dead

Haiti is still experiencing the aftermath of the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise almost a month ago. For the first time since the murder, Moise’s wife, first lady Martine Moise broke her silence, saying that the killers left her for dead.

In a piece interviewing Mrs. Moise by the New York Times last week, she revealed her recollection of the events that saw her husband shot in their private home. Martine Moise was left injured in the incident and was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment. Haitian authorities are still in the midst of an investigation to uncover who was responsible.

Martine Moise was rushed and treated in a hospital in the United States, where she spoke with the outlet while guarded by her security detail and her family. The Haitian first lady shared that she wondered where the 30 to 50 men that were designated to guard her husband were at the time of the assassination. To note, Haitian law enforcement officials have already arrested the head of Moise’s security along with 20 Colombian mercenaries for a conspiracy that they believed was organized by a group of Haitians with ties to foreign powers.

“When they left, they thought I was dead,” said the Haitian first lady in her interview. Martine Moise shared that they were sleeping when they were woken up by the sound of a gunshot. The Haitian leader was calling on his security for help but ultimately did not succeed as the killers began to open fire in their bedroom. Mrs. Moise was shot in the hand and elbow.

Mrs. Moise shared that she felt like she was suffocating when she lay on the floor, bleeding as her mouth was full of blood. Moise’s widow also added that the killers took something from a shelf where her husband kept his files.

Previously, the Haitian police killed a group made up of four mercenaries that have been suspected to be behind Moise’s murder shortly after the assassination. Haitian Police Chief Leon Charles said officers shot four people over the assassination of Moise that week in a televised briefing.

“The police is still in combat with the assailants. They will be killed or captured,” said Charles.