Rev. Marcelline Racine and her husband, Kerlande Racine, were fatally shot outside their home in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday, December 9, 2023. The incident occurred just a week after the couple had gotten married, with Marcelline having celebrated her birthday and wedding on December 2.
The suspect in the double homicide is Sony Josaphat, the 46-year-old ex-husband of Marcelline Racine.
Josaphat was arrested on Monday following the shooting and faces two potential charges of first-degree murder. According to court records, Josaphat allegedly shot the couple after greeting them outside their home. He had parked his car across the street, approached them, and then pulled out a pistol.
Witnesses reported that before the shooting, Kerlande was outside installing security cameras, while Marcelline was getting groceries from the car. Their daughter, who is Josaphat's child with Marcelline, witnessed the shooting and immediately called 911. Three of Marcelline’s other children were also inside the house during the incident.
Josaphat had a history of being controlling and had periodically shown up at the residence, even though he had not lived there for over a year. His divorce from Marcelline had been finalized just a few months prior to the shooting. After the incident, Josaphat fled the scene but later turned himself in to local police, admitting to his crime. He stated that his ex-wife had been disrespecting him and blocking his calls, which led to his anger and the tragic events.
Both victims were Haitian immigrants. Kerlande served as a pastor, and Marcelline worked as a long-time nurse practitioner. The community was shocked by the double homicide, describing the area as normally quiet and peaceful.
Josaphat appeared in court and was ordered to remain in custody in the Palm Beach County jail without bond. He was appointed a public defender and is set to appear in court again on January 8. The police assured residents that there is no ongoing threat to the local community following Josaphat's arrest.
