The Dominican Republic national police are investigating the death of a 19-year-old Quebecer who was shot and killed early Monday morning in the province of Puerto Plata.
Tristan Primeaux-Poitras died at the Centro Medico Bournigal, the health centre where he was receiving care, according to Diego Pesqueira, a spokesperson for the country’s national police service.
Based on preliminary information, the young man was travelling with his 26-year-old brother and both were staying at a hotel.
According to the police spokesperson, his brother told investigators they had left the hotel around 4 a.m. on a scooter to buy food. Twenty minutes later on their way back, they were allegedly chased by two individuals on a motorcycle.
According to a forensic pathology report, the teen sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of his body.
The municipality of Sainte-Julienne, located 70 kilometres north of Montreal, posted a tribute to Primeaux-Poitras on Facebook and identified him as one of their residents.
“We offer our most sincere condolences to his family and his loved ones and anyone affected by this tragedy,” read the post.
Investigators visited the scene to gather evidence, including photographs and fingerprints, said the spokesperson for the Dominican Republic’s police force.
No suspects have been arrested and the investigation is ongoing.
The spokesperson added that the victim’s body was transferred to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences in Santiago for further examination.
In a statement, Global Affairs Canada told CBC News it was aware that a Canadian citizen had died in the Dominican Republic. It said it was in touch with local authorities and offering consular assistance to the deceased’s family.
