Fort Myers man accused of killing woman with mallet set to appear in court

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — A Fort Myers woman was killed outside a convenience store off Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in April.

• RELATED: Fort Myers mallet murder becomes flashpoint in Congress immigration fight

Rolbert Joachin is accused of killing Nilufa Yasmine by beating her with a mallet. He is expected to be back in court on Monday.

This story has gotten national attention, raising questions about immigration and who gets to stay in the U.S. WINK News confirmed that Joachin was here under Temporary Protected Status, a program that allows people from countries like Haiti to live and work in the U.S. legally.

His status has now been stripped, and he faces deportation. The case adds fuel to a much bigger national debate on whether the program should continue.

That decision could impact thousands of Haitian immigrants in Southwest Florida.

"If somebody hurts somebody, they need to get consequences for their action. There is no question about that," said Josette Cazeau, a Lehigh Acres neighbor.

"Most immigrants, if not all immigrants, come with one intention to the US to have a better life, to better serve this country and become better citizens for the future, for the rest of the world," Cazeau said.

Joachin's arraignment is set for 8:30 a.m. He is now charged with murder and has pleaded not guilty.

WINK News will continue to follow this case.