An investigation into the death of Minnesota pastor Beau Shroyer, who was performing missionary work in Angola, determined that his wife, Jackie Shroyer, had hired three men to murder her husband after having an affair with the couple’s security guard. According to reports, Jackie offered the security guard and two other men $50,000 to carry out the murder of Shroyer.
Beau, 44, was found stabbed to death in his vehicle in late October. Shortly after Shroyer’s body was found, his wife was arrested in connection to the murder, but no immediate connection was established. Police have also arrested two of the hitmen, while a third is on the run. The late missionary was a former pastor of Lakes Area Vineyard Church.
Friends of the family reacted with shock and horror to the incident, while many remembered Beau for his character. “Not sure I’ve ever met a more selfless human,” said David Dorman, a former business partner of Beau’s. “The courage it took to take this leap to begin with was something I’ve admired for years. He loved people and genuinely cared about those less privileged. It’s been a giant shock to the core to see this unfold this way.”
The Christian Tribune reported on other reactions from those who knew the family. “I just don’t have any words,” said Carl Gessell, who is a friend of the couple from Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. “I’m shocked that this even happened. I can’t believe she would do something like that.”
Gessel, who attended the Lakes Area Vineyard Church with the Shroyer family added, “I can’t see his wife doing that. It’s got to be something else. But, you know, I don’t know if something happened between there and here.” Gessel noted that Beau felt he had been called by God to serve in Angola. “Beau told me that God led him in a different path,” he said. Another family friend, Cleone Steward, stated, “Jackie had visions of helping poor children and Beau was right beside her.” Stewart recounted, “He was really good as a field trip leader, really good at describing things.”
In a statement addressing Shroyer’s murder, Lakes Area Vineyard Church. Lead pastor Troy Eastman told his congregation, “I love you very much and I am heartbroken and in shock that I need to send this type of update to you today. Wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, I’m going to ask you to sit down, take a deep breath and remember that God is our ever present help in times of trouble.”
Speaking about the development of Jackie’s arrest, he said, “As you all know, our community has been deeply saddened by the death of our dear brother and friend Beau Shroyer, who was killed in a violent, criminal attack in Angola, Africa on Friday, October 25. Today, our grief and sadness has deepened immeasurably as we’ve learned that his wife, Jackie Shroyer, has been arrested in connection with his death.”
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