Vitel'Homme Innocent (born March 27, 1986) is a Haitian gang leader who was added to the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list on November 15, 2023, for his role in the 2021 Haitian missionary kidnappings. A reward of up to 2 million dollars is offered for information leading to his capture.
| Vitel'Homme Innocent | |
|---|---|
 | |
| FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive | |
| Charges |
|
| Reward | $2,000,000 |
| Description | |
| Born | March 27, 1986 Haiti |
| Nationality | Haitian |
| Race | Black |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) – 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | 150 lb (68 kg) |
| Status | |
| Added | November 15, 2023 |
| Number | 532 |
| Currently a Top Ten Fugitive | |
Personal life
Innocent was born on March 27, 1986, in Haiti. Originally a political activist, he still maintains ties to grassroots political movements in Haiti. In a 2024 interview with CNN, he described himself as a former small business owner and stated that his "dream is to get rid of the oligarchs who prevent [Haiti] from progressing".
Crimes
Innocent is the leader of the Kraze Baryé gang, which as of April 2024, participated in the Viv Ansanm alliance of Haitian gangs. The alliance also includes the Revolutionary Forces of the G9 Family and Allies and 400 Mawozo.
On October 24, 2023, Innocent was charged with ordering the October 2022 kidnapping of an American couple which left the woman, Marie Odette Franklin, dead. In January 2023, he killed four police officers in Pétion-Ville. He is accused of the 2021 Haitian missionary kidnappings.
On November 15, 2023, Innocent was added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, replacing Michael James Pratt. In an April 2024 CNN interview, Innocent expressed willingness to defend himself in a US court.
Sanctions
On December 8, 2023, both the United States and the United Nations Security Council placed Innocent on their respective economic sanctions lists. On January 20, 2024, the European Union also placed sanctions on Innocent.
References