A dream vacation to the Dominican Republic turned into unimaginable tragedy for a 19-year-old from Quebec. Tristan Primeaux-Poitras was fatally shot early Monday morning, shattering his family’s idyllic getaway and leaving a community in mourning.
The incident unfolded as Primeaux-Poitras and his brother were returning to their hotel on a scooter after a late-night outing. They had ventured out around 4 a.m. to find food, unaware of the danger that lurked just around the corner.
According to Dominican police, the brothers were pursued by two individuals on a motorcycle, their intentions clearly criminal. The chase quickly escalated, culminating in a single gunshot that struck Primeaux-Poitras on the left side of his body.
Despite swift medical attention, Primeaux-Poitras succumbed to his injuries in hospital. His family, who were vacationing with him at the Senator Hotel near Puerto Plata, were left devastated by the senseless loss.
Authorities have now arrested two suspects: Jordi Yunior Severiano, 23, and Rangel Merete Rodriguez, 30, both residents of Puerto Plata. Their initial arrest was for narcotics possession, but questioning quickly shifted to the shooting.
Investigators believe the shooting was a direct result of a robbery attempt. The motorcycle occupants allegedly chased the brothers with the explicit purpose of stealing their belongings, a pursuit that ended in fatal violence.
At least six individuals have been taken into custody as the investigation continues, with police meticulously piecing together the events of that night. Primeaux-Poitras’s body has been transported to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences for a thorough examination.
The municipality of Sainte-Julienne, Quebec, where Primeaux-Poitras resided, expressed its profound sorrow in a public statement. The community extended its deepest condolences to his family and all those touched by this heartbreaking tragedy.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding Primeaux-Poitras’s death and bring those responsible to justice. The once-peaceful vacation has now become a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the ever-present threat of violence.
