Missouri Republican state Rep. Ben Baker’s daughter and son-in-law, who serve as missionaries in Haiti, were attacked and killed by gangs in the country on Thursday night.
Baker posted the news of Davy and Natalie Lloyd’s deaths on Facebook, saying he’s “never felt this kind of pain.” Missions in Haiti, Inc., which was founded by Davy’s parents in 2000, confirmed the tragedy, according to Fox 23.
“My heart is broken in a thousand pieces. I’ve never felt this kind of pain,” Baker wrote. “Most of you know my daughter and son-in-law Davy and Natalie Lloyd are full time missionaries in Haiti. They were attacked by gangs this evening and were both killed. They went to Heaven together. Please pray for my family we desperately need strength. And please pray for the Lloyd family as well. I have no other words for now.”
Missions in Haiti, Inc. said that Davy and Natalee were ambushed by a gang of men in three trucks while they were leaving a youth church service.
“Davy was taken to the house tied up and beat. The gang then took our trucks and loaded everything up they wanted and left,” the missions group said.
The couple was in the house with another person, named Jude, when other gangs arrived and started shooting at the house, according to Missions in Haiti, Inc.
“I have been trying all my contacts to get a police armored car there to evacuate them out to safety but can’t get anyone to do,” the missions group’s post added. “I also am trying to negotiate with the gang so how much $ to stand down and let them leave and get to safety.”
A few hours later, Missions in Haiti, Inc. said that Davy, Natalie, and Jude had been killed around 9:00 p.m. local time.
“We all are devastated,” the group wrote.
Missouri Republican Governor Mike Parson wrote on Friday morning, “Absolutely heartbreaking news. Teresa and I extend our deepest condolences to Rep. @BenBakerMO and Naomi and their family. We pray for Natalie and Davy’s loved ones and that God bring them strength during this most difficult time.”
Haiti has been thrown into chaos in recent months as gangs fight for control of the country. The U.S. evacuated embassy personnel from the country in March as the Department of State warned, “The current security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous.”