The violence erupted with shocking brutality as Davy and Natalie Lloyd, along with Jude Montis, were targeted by armed gang members immediately after they exited a local church in Lizon. Lionel Lazarre, who heads a Haitian police union, informed The Associated Press that the area is notorious for its gang dominance, where lawlessness prevails.
The assailants, employing brutal tactics, didn’t hesitate to use gunfire and physical assaults to enforce their terrifying presence, showing a complete disregard for human life.
As the missionaries attempted to leave the vicinity of the church, they were abruptly surrounded and overpowered. Eyewitnesses reported a scene of chaos and fear as shots rang out, sending the local community into a state of panic.
The gang’s attack was not only direct but also meticulously planned, indicating a disturbing level of coordination among criminal elements in Port-au-Prince.
Missouri State Representative Ben Baker, Natalie Lloyd’s grieving father, captured the emotional devastation of the incident in a heartfelt Facebook post. He described his pain as unprecedented, a sentiment that resonated deeply within the missionary community and beyond.
“My heart is broken in a thousand pieces,” he wrote, conveying the profound impact of the loss of his daughter and son-in-law, who he said “went to Heaven together.” This public expression of grief highlighted the personal tragedy behind the headlines, underscoring the human toll of Haiti’s ongoing crisis.
Details of the Attack
The violence erupted dramatically on a quiet Thursday evening, just as Davy and Natalie Lloyd, alongside Jude Montis, were concluding their participation in a youth group activity at a local church in the community of Lizon. As they exited the sanctuary, the tranquility of the evening was shattered by the sudden and brutal assault.
Lionel Lazarre, the head of a Haitian police union, reported to The Associated Press that the attackers were known gang members, asserting control with impunity in the region. Their approach was ruthless—utilizing a combination of gunfire and physical violence to overpower their victims in an ambush that left no opportunity for escape or defense.
The assault was characterized by its viciousness, as the gang members, wielding firearms, did not hesitate to use lethal force. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos where the air was pierced by the sound of gunshots and cries for help.
The attackers, known for their brutality, demonstrated a complete disregard for human life, assaulting the missionaries with a ferocity that underscored the severe lawlessness pervading the capital.
Amidst this backdrop of terror, Missouri State Representative Ben Baker, father of Natalie Lloyd, turned to social media to share his devastation. His post on Facebook resonated with a palpable sense of loss as he articulated the depth of his anguish: “My heart is broken in a thousand pieces,” he wrote, “I’ve never felt this kind of pain.” Representative Baker’s words not only conveyed his grief but also highlighted the broader impact of the violence on the families and communities connected to those serving humanitarian missions in Haiti.
His poignant statement, “They went to Heaven together,” echoed as a sad testament to the tragic end faced by his daughter and son-in-law, marking a profound moment of mourning shared across their community and beyond.
Family Background and Humanitarian Efforts
The Lloyds were committed to missionary work in Haiti, a country they considered their second home. Davy Lloyd, 23, grew up in Haiti, where his parents have been full-time missionaries. He spoke Creole before English and returned to Haiti after marrying Natalie in June 2022. Natalie, aged 21, actively posted about their efforts on social media, showing her deep connection with the Haitian children they helped.
Hannah Cornett, Davy’s sister, shared with the AP that their family had been deeply integrated into the local community through the running of an orphanage, school, and church. “They just had a lot of love for Haiti, and they just wanted to help the people there,” she reflected. “That’s their calling.”
Jude Montis, the third victim and the country director of Missions In Haiti Inc., had worked with Lloyds’ parents for 20 years. He leaves behind two young children. The attack, which began with the trio being intercepted by three vehicles of gang members, quickly escalated to a dire situation. Montis and the Lloyds sought refuge in a nearby house, but the gangs pursued and attacked the residence, ultimately setting it ablaze.
The U.S. State Department acknowledged the tragedy, with spokesman Matthew Miller stating, “Unfortunately, this serves as a reminder that the security situation in Haiti cannot wait – too many innocent lives are being lost.” He affirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting the swift deployment of a Kenyan-led international force to restore order.
The violence in Haiti has reached a critical point, with gangs controlling 80% of Port-au-Prince and engaging in widespread attacks on government infrastructure and civilians. The United Nations reports a significant increase in violence this year, with more than 360,000 people displaced by gang activity.
The international community, particularly the United States and Kenya, is stepping up efforts to address the security crisis in Haiti. The planned deployment of Kenyan police forces, as part of a U.N.-backed mission, is seen as a crucial step towards stabilizing the country and preventing further loss of innocent lives.
As Haiti grapples with this unyielding violence, the memories of Davy, Natalie, and Jude serve as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by those dedicated to humanitarian efforts in unstable regions. Their commitment to making a difference in the lives of Haitian children will not be forgotten, underscoring the urgent need for concerted international efforts to bring peace to this troubled nation.
Alicia Lloyd, mother of Davy Lloyd, expressed hope amidst the tragedy: “I hope something good can come out of this. We don’t see it now, but we don’t want (their lives) to be in vain,” she told the Claremore Daily Progress. This sentiment reflects the resilience and hope the missionary community and their supporters cling to, even amid immense sorrow and loss.
