- The Washington Times - Monday, November 4, 2024

A Minnesota church said a missionary’s wife was arrested in Angola last week after authorities in the west-central African nation linked the woman to her husband’s slaying.

The Lakes Area Vineyard Church on Friday said Jackie Shroyer was taken into custody shortly after her husband, 44-year-old Beau Shroyer, was killed Oct. 25 in an “act of violence while serving Jesus.”

“Our grief and sadness has deepened immeasurably as we’ve learned that his wife, Jackie Shroyer, has been arrested in connection with his death,” wrote Troy Easton, lead pastor for the church based in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. “I’m so sorry and simply do not have words to express my disbelief and sorrow about this news.”

The State Department confirmed to Minneapolis CBS affiliate WCCO-TV that a U.S. citizen died in Angola and that another American was detained in the incident, but the federal agency didn’t share more information.

Authorities in Angola also haven’t shared details about Mr. Shroyer’s death or how his wife has been implicated.

SIM, which stands for the Society for International Ministries, the organization that was helping the couple’s missionary work abroad, said it was “heartbroken” to hear of Mr. Shroyer’s death and “shocked” to hear of Mrs. Shroyer’s arrest.

The Shroyers first moved to Angola in 2021. Mr. Shroyer leaves behind his wife and five children, who the church said are being “well cared for.”

• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.

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