Letter to the Hon. Christopher Wray, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation - Reps. Espaillat, Engel Call for FBI Investigation Into Deaths of Mount Vernon Residents in The Dominican Republic

Letter

Dear Director Wray,

We write to request an immediate investigation into the reported deaths of Orlando Moore and Portia Ravenelle who never returned from their vacation in the Dominican Republic. Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas reached out to both of our offices on this urgent issue, as the individuals are from Mount Vernon. The FBI must work quickly to conduct a thorough investigation regarding details of their reported deaths that raise questions for us. It is essential that this investigation be conducted expeditiously so that both families can receive the closure they deserve.

We understand that Mr. Moore and Ms. Ravenelle were expected back in New York on March 27. Dominican authorities contend that their rental car plunged into the ocean on March 27 as they drove to the airport to take their flight home. National Police Colonel Frank Felix Duran Mejia stated that an unconscious woman fitting the description of Ms. Ravenelle was found on the day of the crash and died in the intensive care unit at the Doctor Dario Contreras Hospital on April 4. Colonel Mejia also announced that the body of a man fitting the description of Orlando Moore was found at sea near the Santo Domingo neighborhood of Sans Souci. As far as we know, the rental car has not yet been found.

We held a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Robin Bernstein, in which she acknowledged the importance of learning the full facts of this case. As such, we request:

A full investigation into the reported deaths of Orlando Moore and Portia Ravenelle, and a follow-up briefing summarizing your findings.
A complete timeline of events spanning from Moore's and Ravenelle's arrival to the Dominican Republic through the announcement of their found bodies on April 9, 2019.
Assistance to Dominican authorities to recover Moore's and Ravenelle's rental car, and a thorough search of the vehicle.
A detailed report on FBI cooperation with Dominican authorities -- including National Police Colonel Frank Felix Duran Mejia.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter. We eagerly anticipate your response and ensuing investigation.

Sincerely,  

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