Hundreds of people gathered in a sweltering church in Haiti's capital to pay their respects to Judes Montis, a mission director killed by gang members alongside two American missionaries. The service also honored Davy and Natalie Lloyd, a married couple in their early 20s, who were with Montis at the time of their deaths.
In the heart of Haiti's troubled capital, hundreds gathered at a crowded church to mourn the lives lost in a senseless act of violence. Judes Montis, a mission director, and the young American missionaries, Davy and Natalie Lloyd, were remembered for their unwavering dedication to the Haitian people. As tears streamed down the faces of loved ones, mourners dressed in black and white processed from the church to the cemetery.
Montis leaves behind a wife and two young children, as well as a brother who witnessed the horrific events. Recalling that fateful night, Esuaue Montis recounted how he blocked the gate with a truck in an attempt to prevent the gunmen from entering. Chaos ensued, and amidst the gunfire and threats, Esuaue's life was spared only by a stranger's phone call.
"This call is going to save you or going to kill you," a gunman had warned Esuaue, as he answered the phone with trembling hands. A friend on the other end lied, claiming that Esuaue did not work at the orphanage, and the gunman spared his life.
The mission where Jude Montis worked had never faced threats before. Gang members in the area had only occasionally asked for small handouts. The senseless violence has left the community in shock and grief.
The U.S. Embassy is assisting in obtaining the necessary documents to transport the bodies of the Lloyds back to the United States. The mission has also relocated its staff to a safer location. Cassidy Anderson, a spokesperson for the family, announced on Tuesday that the transportation arrangements were complete, but security concerns prevented further details from being released.
Congressman Ben Baker, Natalie Lloyd's father, expressed his gratitude for the support received from former President Donald Trump, who called to offer his condolences. Hannah Cornett, Davy Lloyd's sister, recalled her brother's deep connection to Haiti, where he grew up as a missionary kid. The Lloyds have dedicated their lives to running an orphanage, school, and church, where their children played and grew alongside the Haitian orphans.
On the tragic night of the killings, gang members accosted the Lloyds and Montis, tying up Davy while they stole their belongings. As they were being untied, a second group of gunmen appeared, leading to a shootout. The Lloyds and Montis sought refuge in the house where the Lloyd parents lived, but the gunmen set their bodies on fire.
Haiti's National Police condemned the killings, pledging to arrest those responsible. However, the police department faces chronic underfunding and understaffing, making it rare for gangs involved in high-profile crimes to be apprehended. As Haiti faces political instability and a lack of basic services, gangs have gained control over much of the capital, leading to rampant violence and kidnappings. Despite this, the Haitian people continue to mourn the loss of innocent lives and hope for a brighter future.
