American Missionaries Ambushed and Killed in Haiti, Leaving Loved Ones Heartbroken

A young missionary couple from the U.S., including the daughter of Missouri State Rep. Ben Baker, and the local director of a Christian mission group were fatally shot in Haiti, leaving their families devastated and the community in mourning.

The close-knit community of Missions In Haiti is reeling from the tragic loss of three of its members, including a young missionary couple from the U.S. and the local director of the Christian mission group. Jude Montis, the local director of Missions In Haiti Inc., and Davy and Natalie Lloyd, a young married couple from the U.S., were fatally shot in the community of Lizon in northern Port-au-Prince after leaving a youth group activity at church.

Natalie Lloyd was the beloved daughter of Missouri state Rep. Ben Baker. In a heartbreaking statement, Baker expressed his profound grief and devastation, leaving him unable to find words to adequately convey his loss. The Lloyds had recently joined Missions In Haiti as full-time missionaries after their wedding in 2022.

According to Baker, Davy and Natalie possessed an unwavering love for Haiti and its people, dedicating their lives to serving them. Their selfless acts reached countless individuals, leaving an enduring legacy of love and devotion. The couple's passion for humanitarian work led them to leave the comforts of home and embrace the challenges of life in Haiti.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Davy Lloyd's sister, Hannah Cornett, shared that they had grown up in Haiti. Davy later attended Bible college in the U.S., where he met Natalie. They married in June 2022 and returned to Haiti together shortly after. Cornett also mentioned that Montis, a Haitian national, had dedicated 20 years of service to Missions In Haiti, leaving behind two young children.

Missions In Haiti, a non-profit organization founded by Davy Lloyd's parents, provides housing and support to underprivileged children through its House of Compassion and Good Hope Boys' Home. The organization also operates a church, bakery, and a school, providing education and hope to the community.

In a Facebook post, Missions In Haiti recounted the tragic events that unfolded when Davy Lloyd, Natalie Lloyd, and a group of children were leaving a youth group gathering at church. Gang members in three trucks ambushed them, forcing them to seek shelter in a nearby house. The situation escalated when an unknown gang arrived at the scene and opened fire, resulting in the deaths of Davy, Natalie, and Montis.

The bodies of Davy and Natalie Lloyd were later recovered and transported to the U.S. Embassy. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist the Lloyds and Bakers with the costs associated with bringing the bodies home. The family has obtained a waiver to transport the bodies without full embalming, a service that is currently unavailable in Haiti.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.