In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the international community, three missionaries, including a young American couple and a local director, were brutally murdered by gang members in Haiti. The victims, identified as David "Davy" Lloyd III, Natalie Lloyd, and Jude Montis, were associated with the Oklahoma-based organization, Missions In Haiti Inc.
The incident occurred near Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital, where the trio was ambushed after leaving a youth group activity at a local church. The relentless surge of gang violence in the region has been a cause of concern, with gangs reportedly controlling 80% of the city.
David Lloyd, 23, and Natalie Lloyd, 21, were full-time missionaries in Haiti. David, the son of the organization's founders, grew up in Haiti before moving to the U.S. for his education. He later returned to Haiti to continue his missionary work. Natalie, the daughter of Missouri state Rep. Ben Baker, joined the organization in August 2022, shortly after marrying David in June.
The third victim, Jude Montis, 45, was the Haitian director of the mission group. A pastor with a wife and two young children, Montis had dedicated two decades of his life to the organization.
The news of their deaths has sparked an outpouring of grief and condolences on social media. Missouri Gov. Mike Parsons and former President Donald Trump were among those who expressed their sorrow over the tragic incident.
The violence in Haiti has escalated in recent months, with the G9 Family and Allies, a gang alliance led by former police officer Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier, playing a significant role. The group, which reportedly controls an estimated 80% of Port-au-Prince, has been responsible for massive jailbreaks, freeing nearly 4,000 inmates in March.
The U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory last July, urging U.S. citizens to avoid traveling to the country amid "kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure." The advisory came after the 2021 assassination of then-President Jovenel Moise, which led to some powerful gangs in Haiti unifying to form the G9 Family and Allies.
The United Nations reports that around 2,500 people have been killed or injured by gang violence in Haiti during the first quarter of 2024. The situation in Haiti remains volatile, with the international community calling for urgent action to restore peace and stability in the country.
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