Fritz d'Or, a 38-year-old Haitian American journalist and radio talk show host, was tragically assassinated on March 15, 1991, in Little Haiti, Miami, Florida. D'Or, who was known for his pro-democratic and pro-Aristide commentary on WLQY-AM (1320), was a prominent figure in the Haitian community. He was actively involved in political organizations and community education programs, and he worked as a paralegal at the Haitian Refugee Center. His vocal support for the newly elected Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who was later ousted by a military regime, made him a target for those opposed to the democratic changes in Haiti.
On the evening of his death, Fritz d'Or was standing outside his office near the intersection of Northeast Second Avenue and 59th Street when he was fatally shot four times. The assassination was carried out by Billy Alexander, a Haitian American who was paid $2,000 for the hit. Alexander was later convicted of the murder. The motive behind the killing was linked to d'Or's opposition to Louis Thermitus, a local record store owner whom d'Or had accused of being a member of the Tonton Macoute and supporting the regime that ousted Aristide. Despite the allegations, Thermitus was never charged in connection with the murder.
The investigation into Fritz d'Or's death revealed a broader conspiracy. Glossy Bruce Joseph, who acted as the lookout during the assassination, was arrested in May 1991 and later convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Hitler Fleurinord, accused of being the driver, was charged with conspiracy to commit murder. The murder of Fritz d'Or was part of a series of political assassinations targeting pro-democracy Haitian journalists in Little Haiti during a turbulent period in Haiti's transition to democracy.
The Haitian community in Little Haiti, Miami, which numbered around 60,000 people, was deeply affected by d'Or's murder. His death, along with the assassinations of other prominent Haitian journalists, highlighted the political tensions and dangers faced by those advocating for democracy and human rights. The FBI was involved in the investigation, recognizing the political nature of the killings. Despite the arrests and convictions, the community remained divided and fearful, with many questioning the effectiveness and priorities of law enforcement in addressing the violence against Haitian activists.
