A grievous event in Haiti has shaken the community of Port-au-Prince and beyond. Missouri state Rep. Ben Baker faced profound sorrow after his daughter and son-in-law were brutally murdered in the Caribbean nation.
According to Daily Mail, in a horrific attack in Haiti, a young missionary couple, along with a local man, was killed by gang members and then burned.
Davy Lloyd III, 22, and his wife, Natalie Lloyd, 21, both dedicated to missionary work, were fatally shot alongside Jude Montis. The violence unfolded after they had participated in a youth group event at their local church in Lizon, north of Port-au-Prince.
Reports indicate that the attackers, identified as members of the coalition gang "Viv Ansanm," ambushed the trio as they tried to reach the safety of Davy's parents' home nearby. The violence in Port-au-Prince has reached critical levels, with such gangs now controlling around 80% of the city.
The couple, young and full of life, had been looking forward to celebrating their second wedding anniversary and Davy’s upcoming birthday. Instead, their community, both local and international, reels from the shock of their untimely death.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his dismay at the situation in Haiti and urged for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice. He emphasized the escalating chaos in the region, which has seen significant deterioration over the months. The U.S. State Department also issued a statement offering condolences and promising consular support to the affected families. They stressed their commitment to assisting in such tragic circumstances.
Returning to the personal toll of this tragedy, Rep. Ben Baker shared his anguish over the loss of his daughter and son-in-law. Both were not just family but also partners in their commitment to bettering the lives of Haitians through various community services. Davy and Natalie’s work involved running an orphanage, school, and church, efforts now overshadowed by their brutal demise. Their dedication to humanitarian aid in Haiti was born of a genuine love for its people, shaping their adult lives around the mission of helping others.
The parents of Davy, along with his sister Hannah Cornett, have been deeply integrated into Haiti’s community through extensive missionary work. Hannah reflected on her brother's and sister-in-law's passion for their work.
Hannah Cornett, Davy's sister, speaks of the couple's love for Haiti, emphasizing, "They just had a lot of love for Haiti, and they just wanted to help the people there. That's their calling." She also noted how Davy spoke Creole even before English, marking the depth of his connection to Haiti.
Local Haitian officials and international communities continue to recommend caution to those working and residing in such high-risk areas. This incident starkly reminds us of the precarious balance between humanitarian aid and personal security in volatile regions.
On social media, Rep. Ben Baker shared an emotional tribute to his daughter and son-in-law. He explained their commitment and the horrible fate they met. The family requests prayers during this unimaginably difficult time as they deal with this pressing grief.
“Around midnight: Davy Natalie and Jude were shot and killed by the gang about 9 o'clock this evening. We all are devastated," revealed a message on the Missions for Haiti Facebook page, further painting the grim picture of the night they were attacked.
As this story unfolds, communities worldwide hold their breath for justice and express solidarity with those struck by such profound loss. The echoes of these young lives, dedicated to service and ended tragically, will resonate as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by those in tumultuous regions. Our thoughts are with the families of Davy Natalie Lloyd and Jude Montis as they navigate this tremendous hardship.
