Haiti: American Couple Among 3 Missionaries Killed by Gunmen

A young American couple and a Haitian non-profit director were killed Thursday night in Haiti's capital by armed groups targeting their mission.

David Lloyd, 48, confirmed the deaths of his son Davy Lloyd, daughter-in-law Natalie Lloyd, and Judes Montis.

The attack on Missions In Hope, a US-based non-profit near gang-controlled Bon Repos, highlights Haiti's ongoing gang violence, which has led to significant chaos since February 29.

Details of the incident remain unclear, but the mission was hit by two different armed groups, Miami Herald reports.

The attackers, part of the Terre Nwa gang, looted the mission, took vehicles, and burned the house.

Despite ongoing violence, Missions In Hope had successfully operated a school, children's home, and bakery, helping the local community.

Tragic Attack on Haiti Missionaries

A second gang attack on a mission in Haiti's capital resulted in the deaths of a US missionary couple and a Haitian non-profit director.

David Lloyd recounted how his son Davy, daughter-in-law Natalie, and director Jude Montis were killed when the mission was invaded by armed men from a gang in nearby Canaan.

The assailants eventually breached Lloyd's parents' home, killing the three and setting their bodies on fire, according to AP News.

This tragic incident occurred Thursday evening in Lizon, northern Port-au-Prince, as the city grapples with rampant gang violence.

The victims were targeted while leaving a youth group activity.

The capital, where 80% is controlled by Haiti gangs, awaits a UN-backed police force from Kenya to address the violence.

The American couple, Davy and Natalie Lloyd, were full-time Haiti missionaries.

They were to celebrate their second anniversary in June.

Natalie's father, Missouri State Rep. Ben Baker, expressed his heartbreak on Facebook.

Hannah Cornett, Davy's sister, shared their family's deep ties to Haiti, where they grew up as their parents ran an orphanage, school, and church.

Cornett highlighted the family's commitment to serving the Haitian community, describing her brother's love and dedication to the people of Haiti.

Montis, a long-time collaborator, left behind two young children.

Chaos and Fear

Hannah Cornett described how gang members stopped the Lloyds and Montis, hitting Davy in the head with a gun barrel.

They were forced upstairs, robbed, and tied up. As Davy was being untied, another armed group arrived.

Amid the chaos, an unidentified person was shot, and the gunmen opened fire, forcing the Lloyds and Montis to flee to a nearby house. They were killed there, and their bodies were set on fire.

On Friday, Ben Baker posted that Davy and Natalie Lloyd's bodies were transported to the US Embassy, CNN noted.

The American couple worked for Missions In Haiti Inc., founded by Davy's parents, David and Alicia Lloyd.

Natalie frequently shared photos of Haitian children on her Facebook page.

A post on the Missions In Haiti page confirmed their deaths and expressed devastation.

Alicia Lloyd told the Claremore Daily Progress her son was very capable and expressed hope that something good could come from the tragedy.

US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasized the need to address Haiti's security crisis, noting the US commitment to deploying a Kenyan-led mission.

The area where the shooting occurred is controlled by gang leader Claudy Celestin, known as Chyen Mechan, and another leader, General Jeff.

Their coalition, Viv Ansanm, has launched large-scale attacks, including freeing over 4,000 inmates.

Haiti Gangs have caused over 2,500 casualties in Haiti from January to March.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

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