News 12 has learned the identities of two Haitian asylum-seekers who were
allegedly stabbed to death by their roommate in Middletown on Monday.
A criminal complaint obtained by News 12 says Marc Saint Vilus and Rosbert Myrtil were killed in the incident at 33 Ruth Court. Their roommate, 30-year-old Kenol Baptiste, who was also seeking asylum from Haiti, has been arrested and charged with murder.
Baptiste was in City of Middletown Court on Monday morning, but the hearing was adjourned for a grand jury to review the case. A notice of indictment was filed with the court by afternoon, according to Orange County District Attorney Dave Hoovler.
Marie Pereira, an attorney and Haitian immigration attorney who helped the victims with their requests for work authorizations, tells News 12 she has spoken to the victims’ friends.
“Everyone is shocked because the murderer was a kind, docile and mild mannered, hardworking young immigrant with no history of violence,” says Pereira.
Baptiste is on a deportation hold in Orange County Jail.