Haitian-American ER doctor Jean Dominique Foureau and partner Veloudre Petitval found dead after early-morning standoff
Coconut Creek, FL – January 4, 2026 A quiet South Florida neighborhood woke to tragedy Saturday morning when a domestic violence incident ended in a murder-suicide, claiming the lives of Dr. Jean Dominique Foureau, a 34-year-old Haitian-American emergency medicine physician and Florida Army National Guard officer, and his 38-year-old partner, Veloudre Petitval.
Coconut Creek Police responded to multiple reports of shots fired inside a home in the 4800 block of Acadian Trail around 4 a.m. A heavy law enforcement presence, including SWAT teams, quickly surrounded the residence as officers attempted to negotiate a peaceful resolution.
Neighbors described a tense hours-long standoff, with sirens filling the air and repeated calls over loudspeakers for the occupant to surrender. After negotiations ended without success, officers entered the home and discovered both individuals deceased from gunshot wounds.
Authorities determined that Foureau fatally shot Petitval before turning the gun on himself. The couple’s 2-year-old son was inside the home but unharmed; he is now in the care of family members.
A Rising Star in Medicine and Service
Dr. Jean Dominique Foureau was a Chief Resident in Emergency Medicine at Broward Health and served as a Battalion Surgeon with the Florida Army National Guard. Born in the United States to Haitian immigrant parents, he grew up in the Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach areas and took special pride in serving the local Haitian and Creole-speaking community.
In past interviews, Foureau spoke passionately about communicating with patients in Kreyòl and giving back to the community that shaped him. Colleagues remember him as a compassionate, highly skilled physician who was deeply committed to his patients and his dual roles in medicine and military service.
The medical and military communities have expressed profound grief. Tributes on social media describe a dedicated healer whose loss leaves a void in both the ER and the Guard.
An Ongoing Investigation
Police have classified the incident as a domestic violence-related murder-suicide. Limited details have been released about Veloudre Petitval or the circumstances leading up to the tragedy. The investigation remains active as authorities work to piece together the events.
The couple shared custody of their young son, adding an unimaginable layer of heartbreak to an already devastating loss.
A Community in Mourning
The tight-knit Coconut Creek neighborhood remains shaken. Residents gathered throughout the day, some leaving flowers and candles near the home in quiet remembrance.
Domestic violence resources have been shared widely in the wake of the incident, with local organizations reminding the community that help is available for those in crisis.
Our deepest condolences go out to the families of Dr. Foureau and Ms. Petitval, especially the young child now left without his parents. May healing come in time, and may their loved ones find strength in the days ahead.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, resources are available 24/7 through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
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