Twin Cities Christian Missionary Formally Charged In Husband's Killing

ANGOLA — A Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, woman has been formally charged with the murder of her husband while the couple was serving as missionaries in Angola.

Jackie and Beau Shroyer, supported by Lakes Area Vineyard Church in Detroit Lakes, moved to Angola in 2021 with their five children.

Beau was killed on Oct. 25, and Jackie was arrested by Angolan authorities in early November on suspicion of murder.

On Monday, Lakes Area Vineyard’s lead pastor, Troy Easton, informed the congregation that Jackie had been formally charged and remains in custody while awaiting trial.

"It saddens me immensely to have to share with you that we were notified that Jackie has been formally charged as a co-author in the murder of her husband," Easton wrote. "As a result of formal charges, it is our understanding that she will remain in custody and be tried before a judge.

"The court date has not yet been set but will likely occur within the next six months," he added.

Easton also assured the congregation that the couple’s children are being cared for by close family with support from both SIM USA and Lakes Area Vineyard Church.

Authorities Allege Murder-for-Hire Plot

A report from the Angola Press Agency in November cited law enforcement sources who alleged that Jackie arranged for her husband’s killing, paying a security guard—whom authorities believe she was romantically involved with—along with two accomplices, $50,000.

According to the report, Beau was lured to a remote area under the pretense of helping someone with car trouble, where he was attacked. Police said they recovered a knife and approximately $5,000 in Angolan currency as part of the investigation.

Missionary Organization and U.S. Authorities Monitoring Case

SIM USA, the North Carolina-based missionary organization that facilitated the Shroyers’ work in Angola, said in a Dec. 3 statement that Jackie has legal representation, including an Angolan attorney and support from two American attorneys.

"It appears to us that the Angolan government is truly seeking to find out the facts of the case and is preparing for a fair trial," SIM stated.

The organization also confirmed that its Angola team has been providing Jackie with supplemental food and visiting her during authorized hours.

The FBI and U.S. State Department are aware of the case and have been "engaged" in the proceedings, according to SIM.

Remembering Beau Shroyer

Before moving to Angola, Beau Shroyer was a Detroit Lakes police officer and worked in real estate, according to the Star Tribune.

A verified GoFundMe page set up after his death stated that his body was repatriated from Angola on Dec. 11. A graveside service was held on Dec. 21, attended by his family.

The Shroyers were among the first missionary families with SIM USA to relocate to Angola following the easing of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.

SIM, which was founded in 1893, describes itself as a "catalyst for cross-cultural mission work" that believes "no one should live and die without hearing the good news of the gospel."