Aruba shooting case brothers prison request
The prosecutor has requested six years in prison for two brothers accused in an attempted shooting of a driver in Aruba, during a court hearing held Friday morning.
The suspects, identified as J.L. (24) and D.L. (20), appeared before the court where the prosecutor argued that both men should be convicted for complicity in attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The prosecution alleges that on September 18, 2025, the two brothers were involved in a shooting incident targeting Zuriel Celaire, who was driving his vehicle when shots were fired at him.
Heavy Security Measures at Court
The case drew significant attention due to the presence of Zuriel Celaire, who appeared under strict security measures.
Celaire, who previously served a sentence related to another violent case, attended the hearing via video conference from a separate secured location inside the court building to avoid possible confrontation.
Authorities implemented additional security precautions during the court session.
Shooting Incident at Cura Cabay
According to the prosecution, the shooting occurred near Cura Cabay and Brazil, where a white Nissan Versa allegedly followed Celaire’s vehicle.
Investigators believe that the suspect vehicle pulled alongside Celaire’s car and that two shots were fired from the passenger side, hitting the vehicle.
Police later confirmed two bullet impacts on the car, including one bullet that passed through the driver’s seat where Celaire had been sitting. Prosecutors argued that the outcome could have been fatal if the bullet had fully penetrated the seat.
During the investigation, authorities also recovered a shell casing near the scene.
Evidence Presented in Court
The prosecution presented security camera footage that allegedly shows the white Nissan Versa following Celaire’s car before the shooting occurred.
Additional footage reportedly shows the vehicle later arriving at a house in San Nicolas, where the suspects were seen exiting the vehicle before entering another car.
Investigators also examined the Nissan Versa and reportedly found marks consistent with a long firearm inside the vehicle.
A witness statement was also presented, describing how the shooting unfolded. Prosecutors argued that the testimony, combined with video evidence and other findings, supports the conclusion that both brothers were involved.
Suspects Deny Involvement
Both J.L. and D.L. denied involvement in the shooting.
J.L. told the court that he had nothing to do with the incident and claimed he had gone to the doctor with his mother that morning. However, investigators later stated that his mother denied accompanying him.
D.L. also denied participating in the shooting, stating he had taken a friend to work and then returned home, where he stayed for the rest of the day.
Previous Criminal Records
The prosecutor emphasized that both suspects have prior criminal convictions.
J.L. was previously sentenced in 2020 to five years in prison for attempted murder involving a firearm and was still under probation when the current incident occurred.
D.L. also has a prior conviction for illegal firearm possession, receiving an 18-month prison sentence, with six months conditional, in 2024.
Prosecutor Demands Prison Sentence
Because of the seriousness of the case and the suspects’ previous records, the prosecutor formally requested six years in prison for both brothers.
The prosecution also requested that marijuana and related evidence seized during the investigation be destroyed.
The defense argued that the brothers had previously received threats from the alleged victim, but the suspects maintained that they were not involved in the shooting.
Court Decision Pending
The judge stated that the court will review the evidence and arguments presented during the hearing.
A final decision in the case is scheduled for April 2, 2026.
