A Haitian migrant, accused of shooting and killing a Walmart employee outside a store in Pennsylvania, gained entry to the U.S. through a Biden administration program for parolees from several countries including Haiti. Destino Jean-Louis, 23, now faces murder charges for the death of 45-year-old Latosha Ann Cooper in Cheltenham Township, Montgomery County.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and sources, Jean-Louis entered the U.S. legally on November 24, 2023, via Fort Lauderdale International Airport. His entry was facilitated under the administration’s CHNV parole program, which was designed for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. By June 12, 2025, DHS revoked Jean-Louis’ legal status.
The statement from DHS explained that on October 23, Jean-Louis, termed a ‘criminal illegal alien’ from Haiti, was apprehended by ICE in Philadelphia. He is currently under local investigation for homicide.
DHS highlighted that Jean-Louis entered the U.S. legally but later violated American laws by overstaying. This infraction led to his current legal predicament. Authorities linked Jean-Louis to Cooper’s death through court documents. Reports from FOX 29 and 6ABC Philadelphia indicate that the two entered a marriage arrangement for immigration purposes, but it deteriorated.
The couple met in 2024 while working at Walmart, with Cooper allegedly offering marriage to assist Jean-Louis in acquiring a green card. When his application was denied in July, Cooper ended the arrangement and disconnected from Jean-Louis.
Investigation findings reveal Jean-Louis contacted Walmart employees for Cooper’s work hours. On October 21, masked and armed, he reportedly waited in the parking lot for her night shift to conclude. Witnesses stated Jean-Louis approached Cooper and shot her, according to 6ABC Philadelphia’s coverage.
Cellphone records placed Jean-Louis at the Walmart during the incident and in the days leading up to it. Kevin Steele, the Montgomery County District Attorney, claimed Jean-Louis laid in wait before the fatal encounter.
In court documents, further allegations surfaced showing Jean-Louis had previously assaulted Cooper and continually sought information about her schedule from co-workers. Despite denying his presence at the crime scene, Jean-Louis faces numerous charges, including murder and firearm offenses.
He is currently detained without bail at Montgomery County Correctional Facility.
Attempts to reach Walmart and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office for further comments were unsuccessful. For additional updates, the Fox News app is available for download.