Authorities charged Mackendy Darbouze with three counts of first-degree murder for allegedly killing Beatrice Desir, 77, and two children, aged 13 and 4, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on Feb. 21, 2025. Police reported that Darbouze arrived in the U.S. in July 2024 through the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela Parole Program.

The program allows asylum seekers entry if they have financial sponsors.

Darbouze was arrested at the scene with blood on his hands, face and pants.

During his court appearance, he claimed innocence through a translator, as prosecutors described the case as one of the worst they’ve encountered in 25 years.