A tragic incident occurred in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where a U.S. missionary couple, Davy and Natalie Lloyd, along with a Haitian man named Jude Montis, were shot and killed by gang members. The Lloyds, who were full-time missionaries in Haiti, had been attacked while leaving a youth group activity at a local church in the community of Lizon. This devastating incident sheds light on the deteriorating security situation in the capital city, where violent gangs control 80% of the area. Authorities are awaiting the arrival of a police force from Kenya to help address the rampant gang violence plaguing the Caribbean country.
Davy Lloyd’s sister, Hannah Cornett, shared that her brother and sister-in-law were deeply committed to their humanitarian work in Haiti. Davy, 23, and Natalie, 21, were set to celebrate their two-year anniversary and Davy’s upcoming birthday. The couple had a strong connection to Haiti, having grown up there as their parents were also missionaries in the country. Montis, who had worked with the family for 20 years, left behind two young children. The night of the attack, the victims were stopped by armed gang members while crossing the street, leading to a tragic series of events that resulted in their deaths.
The U.S. Department of State expressed condolences to the families of the victims, acknowledging the unimaginable grief they must be experiencing. The State Department emphasized the urgent need for improved security in Haiti and reaffirmed its commitment to swiftly deploying the Kenyan-led mission to address the escalating violence. Meanwhile, the gang responsible for the fatal shootings has not been identified, but known gang leaders in the area include Chyen Mechan and General Jeff, who are part of a coalition known as Viv Ansanm.
The deteriorating security situation in Haiti has resulted in numerous violent incidents perpetrated by gangs, including attacks on government infrastructure and the release of thousands of inmates from prisons. Gangs have also been responsible for a significant increase in killings and injuries, as well as the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people in Port-au-Prince. Kidnappings, including those targeting U.S. citizens, have become increasingly common in Haiti, underscoring the dangerous environment in the country. The U.S. Department of State has issued a “do not travel” advisory for Haiti, urging American citizens to leave as soon as possible.
The tragic deaths of Davy and Natalie Lloyd, along with Jude Montis, have deeply affected their family, friends, and the community they served in Haiti. The couple’s work with Missions In Haiti Inc., founded by Davy’s parents, focused on helping children in the country. Natalie, who began working with the organization in 2022, assisted with the children at the House of Compassion and the ACE school, while Davy worked on various projects in the compound. Despite the senseless loss of life, there is hope that something positive can come out of this tragedy, ensuring that the victims’ lives were not lost in vain.
