Haitian Gang Leader Vitel'homme Innocent Charged In Kidnapping and Death of American Couple

One-year anniversary of infamous case sees charges filed against Kraze Barye gang leader Vitel'homme Innocent for orchestrating the 2022 kidnapping and murder of American couple Jean and Marie Odette Franklin, with US authorities offering $1 million reward for information leading to his arrest.

Haitian gang leader Vitel'homme Innocent has been charged with ordering the 2022 kidnapping and murder of American couple Jean and Marie Odette Franklin in Haiti by US federal prosecutors. Marie Odette Franklin was fatally shot and Jean Franklin was held captive for 21 days.
Innocent leads the notorious Kraze Barye gang, known for a range of crimes including killings, abductions, extortion, and car thefts. The gang operates primarily in the Ouest department of Haiti, including in Delmas, Torcelle, and Tabarre, where Innocent is believed to be residing.
Innocent was indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit hostage taking resulting in death, hostage taking, and attempted hostage taking resulting in death. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Apart from the Franklins' case, Innocent was also charged in 2021 for the kidnapping of 17 Christian missionaries, mostly US citizens. They were held captive for 61 days.
The United States has offered a reward of up to $1 million for any information that leads to the arrest or conviction of Innocent. This noteworthy indictment comes after a surge in kidnappings and killings in Haiti, worsened by political instability following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021.

U.S. Department of Justice