In a tragic and shocking case, a missionary pastor’s wife is accused of orchestrating his murder in Angola, allegedly in collusion with her lover, who worked as the family’s security guard.
Jackie Shroyer, 44, has been arrested for allegedly planning the killing of her husband, Beau Shroyer, a 44-year-old missionary and former pastor from Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Police report that Jackie paid three men the equivalent of $50,000 to carry out the murder, luring Beau to a remote area under the guise of a car issue before brutally stabbing him to death.
Beau’s murder took place on October 25, just one day after he posted about his missionary work on social media, sharing updates on his ministry’s impact in the community. His work involved significant outreach in Angola, where he had moved with Jackie and their five children in 2021 to serve with SIM USA, a global missionary organization.
According to officials, Jackie was romantically involved with one of the accused, 24-year-old Bernardino Elias, who had been hired as a security guard for the family. Investigators claim that Jackie’s involvement with Elias—and her apparent desire to remain in Angola as her husband’s mission period neared its end—were contributing factors in her decision to orchestrate the killing. Two suspects, Elias and 23-year-old Isalino Kayoo, have been arrested, while a third, 22-year-old Gelson Ramos, remains at large.
The Shroyers’ community in Detroit Lakes has been devastated by the loss. Beau’s former church, Lakes Area Vineyard Church, received the news in shock, with current pastor Troy Easton sharing his sorrow in a letter to the congregation. “This is unimaginable and yet it is very real,” Easton wrote, describing the deep grief the church community feels. He encouraged the congregation to turn to their faith, expressing hope that they could come together to support Beau’s children and family.
Beau’s journey to Angola was rooted in a lifelong commitment to service. He had previously worked as a police officer before transitioning to real estate and ultimately pursuing his calling as a pastor.
His dedication led him to Angola, where he frequently shared stories of his work on social media. In his final post, just a day before his death, he highlighted a local student’s dedication to education and his efforts to cultivate agricultural land as part of his mission work.
SIM USA, the organization that sent the Shroyers to Angola, has expressed their own heartbreak over the news. They released a statement expressing gratitude to Angolan law enforcement for their thorough investigation and affirmed their commitment to seeking justice for Beau. SIM has also arranged legal representation for Jackie and is collaborating with Lakes Area Vineyard Church to support the couple’s five children.
The complexities of Beau’s work in Angola underscored the challenges missionaries often face. He had previously voiced concerns about the safety of the mission’s property, which was located near an orange farm plagued by criminal activity. Beau’s requests for increased security included a perimeter wall and more guards, which highlights the precarious environment he was operating in.
