Haitian National Charged in Walmart Killing Entered US Via Biden Parole Program, DHS Sources Say
The suspect, Destino Jean-Louis, is accused of fatally shooting a Walmart employee after a marriage arrangement for a green card allegedly fell apart.
A Haitian national accused of fatally shooting a Walmart employee in Pennsylvania entered the United States through a Biden-era parole program for migrants, according to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sources. Destino Jean-Louis, 23, faces murder charges in connection with the Oct. 21 shooting death of 45-year-old Latosha Ann Cooper outside a Walmart in Cheltenham Township.
DHS sources told Fox News that Jean-Louis legally entered the U.S. on November 24, 2023, via Fort Lauderdale International Airport under the CHNV (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela) parole program. His legal status was reportedly revoked by DHS on June 12, 2025.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Jean-Louis in Philadelphia on October 23. "Jean-Louis is currently under investigation for homicide by Montgomery County," DHS said in a statement. The agency added that Jean-Louis had overstayed his welcome and violated U.S. laws.
Investigators allege that Jean-Louis targeted Cooper after an immigration-related marriage arrangement between the two soured. The pair met while working at the same Walmart in 2024, and allegedly married with the understanding that Cooper would help Jean-Louis obtain a green card. His application was denied in July, and Cooper reportedly withdrew from the process and ceased contact with him.
Jean-Louis, a former Walmart employee, is accused of contacting other store employees to find out Cooper's work schedule and waiting for her outside the store on the night of the shooting. A co-worker told police that a masked man approached Cooper in the parking lot and shot her as they were speaking. Jean-Louis allegedly waited near bushes outside the store for Cooper to finish her shift.
Cellphone records placed Jean-Louis at the Walmart around the time of the shooting and on several prior occasions, investigators said. Court documents also indicate that Jean-Louis had previously assaulted Cooper and repeatedly contacted store employees seeking her schedule.
Jean-Louis denied being at the store when Cooper was killed. He is charged with first-degree murder, third-degree murder, illegal alien use of a firearm, carrying a firearm without a license, and possession of an instrument of crime. He is being held without bail at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.