American Missionary Couple and Local Director Killed by Gang in Haiti

A tragic incident unfolded in Lizon, northern Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Thursday, as American missionary couple Davy and Natalie Lloyd, along with local mission director Jude Montis, were fatally shot by gang members. The couple's bodies are expected to be transported to Missouri this week.

The Lloyds, aged 23 and 21, were leaving a youth group activity at a church when they were ambushed by gang members in three trucks. Davy Lloyd was hit on the head with a gun barrel, forced upstairs, and left tied up. As people were helping to untie him, another group of armed gunmen showed up, leading to a full-scale attack.

The couple and Montis fled to a house connected to the mission, but the gang shot up the house, killing them. Montis, a Haitian who worked at Missions in Haiti for 20 years, left behind two children, ages 2 and 6.

Why this matters: The tragic deaths of the American missionary couple and local mission director in Haiti highlight the severe challenges and dangers faced by humanitarian workers in the country. This incident may lead to increased concerns about safety and security for aid workers and potentially impact the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Haiti.

Missions in Haiti Inc., founded by Davy Lloyd's parents, David and Alicia Lloyd, in 2000, focuses on helping the children of Haiti. The organization's efforts include providing housing, education, and humanitarian work.

The bodies of the victims are expected to be transported to Missouri this week, with security arrangements being made to ensure their safe return. A spokesperson for the families confirmed that transport had been secured for a Thursday arrival. Missouri state Rep. Ben Baker, Natalie Lloyd's father, has been providing updates on the efforts to arrange for transport.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) urged President Joe Biden to ensure adequate security measures are taken to safely return the bodies to the U.S., citing anarchic conditions in gang-infested Port-au-Prince. Former President Donald Trump also expressed condolences to the families, calling it a 'very, very sad moment.'

Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, has been plagued by violent gangs, with 80% of the city under their control. The U.N. is planning to deploy a police force from Kenya to help quell gang violence in Haiti.

Natalie Lloyd's father, Ben Baker, expressed his heartbreak on Facebook, saying, 'My heart was broken in a thousand pieces. I've never felt this kind of pain.' He asked for prayers for his family and the Lloyd family, stating, 'We desperately need strength.'

The children and staff of Missions in Haiti have been relocated to a safer location. Two GoFundMe pages have been set up to help with expenses for Davy and Natalie's families, while funds for Jude Montis' family can be sent to Missions in Haiti with a memo for Jude's wife.

The tragic deaths of Davy and Natalie Lloyd, along with Jude Montis, highlight the severe challenges and dangers faced by humanitarian workers in Haiti. Their commitment to helping the children of Haiti remains a demonstration of their dedication and selflessness.

Key Takeaways

• American missionary couple Davy and Natalie Lloyd, 23 and 21, were fatally shot by gang members in Haiti.
• Local mission director Jude Montis was also killed, leaving behind two children.
• The incident highlights the severe challenges and dangers faced by humanitarian workers in Haiti.
• The bodies of the victims are expected to be transported to Missouri this week with security arrangements.
• Sen. Josh Hawley urged President Joe Biden to ensure adequate security measures for the transport.