A month after her murder by her husband, Luckenson K. Pablo, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Melissa Janvier Pablo’s body remains in the funeral home, awaiting repatriation arrangements.
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office has decided to release the body only to an immediate family member. Melissa’s relatives live in the Dominican Republic.
Melissa’s mother and brother have sought assistance from the U.S. embassies in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. However, their efforts have so far been unsuccessful.
After applying for a visa in the Dominican Republic, Melissa’s parents were given an appointment date in September—more than nine months after the tragedy.
Efforts have been made to expedite the process through the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic, with the aim of allowing Melissa’s parents to finally arrange her funeral and pay their last respects.
A Violent Separation
Melissa Janvier Pablo, 33, and Luckenson King Pablo, 31, had been married for ten years. The couple had separated several months before the tragedy.
Despite her attempts to report Luckenson’s violent behavior to local authorities, Melissa was unable to prevent her estranged husband from taking her life. On December 6, 2024, he shot her in cold blood.
A chilling detail: after committing the crime, Luckenson King Pablo called Melissa’s mother to inform her that he had just killed her daughter, according to information obtained by CTN’s editorial team.
Luckenson King Pablo Due in Court
Luckenson King Pablo first appeared before a judge on December 9. He is scheduled to return to criminal court on Tuesday, January 7, for the start of his trial.
If convicted, he faces between 15 and 20 years in prison or even life imprisonment under Massachusetts state law.
CTN’s Commitment to Transparency
To ensure transparency, CTN’s editorial team is actively assisting Melissa Janvier Pablo’s family in obtaining a visa. CTN is also supporting her family in the ongoing legal proceedings.