The daughter and son-in-law of Missouri House of Representatives member Ben Baker were tragically killed while serving as missionaries in Haiti. Natalie Lloyd and her husband Davy Lloyd were full-time missionaries who were attacked by gangs in the Lizon area of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital city. Ben Baker expressed his profound grief on social media, stating that his heart was broken into a thousand pieces and asking for prayers for both families. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday evening, leaving the families and community devastated.
Missions in Haiti, Inc., a non-profit organization based in Oklahoma that has been working in Haiti since 2000, confirmed that the Lloyds, as well as a third missionary named Jude Montis, were shot and killed while in a house in Haiti. David Lloyd, Davy’s father and the founder of the mission group, provided details to CBS News, stating that his son was ambushed by multiple gang members who eventually broke into the house and shot the missionaries. Jude Montis, a long-time Haitian employee of the mission group, was also killed in the tragic incident. The National Police Union of Haiti confirmed that Jude was the director of an orphanage.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller extended condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the need for improved security in Haiti. The U.S. ambassador to Haiti is in contact with the victims’ families, and the U.S. government is committed to supporting efforts to bolster the Haitian National Police’s capabilities to protect civilians and restore the rule of law. The situation in Haiti has been volatile, with a surge in gang violence since late February leading to thousands of deaths, injuries, and kidnappings. President Biden has reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to supporting a multinational security mission to address the security challenges in Haiti.
The tragedy in Haiti highlights the urgent need for improved security and governance in the country. Gang violence has escalated in recent months, leading to a high number of casualties and posing a threat to the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers. The loss of Natalie Lloyd, Davy Lloyd, and Jude Montis underscores the dangers faced by individuals working in conflict-affected regions and the need for international support to address the root causes of violence in Haiti. The community mourns the loss of these dedicated missionaries and stands in solidarity with their families during this difficult time.
The impact of the tragic shooting in Haiti resonates beyond borders, with the global community expressing condolences and calling for action to address the ongoing security crisis in the country. The deaths of Natalie Lloyd, Davy Lloyd, and Jude Montis serve as a stark reminder of the risks faced by individuals engaged in humanitarian work in conflict zones and the importance of ensuring their safety and protection. As efforts continue to enhance security in Haiti and support the victims’ families, the legacy of the slain missionaries will endure as a testament to their dedication and compassion in serving those in need. The international response to the tragedy reflects a shared commitment to upholding peace, security, and justice in Haiti and beyond.
