Residents of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, gathered at a church to mourn the loss of Judes Montis, a mission director, and an American couple, Davy and Natalie Lloyd, who were killed by gang members. The emotional service paid tribute to the lives lost in a recent ambush in a gang-controlled area of the city.
Judes Montis, aged 47, was the local director of Missions in Haiti, a religious organization founded by the Lloyd family. The Lloyds, in their early 20s, were dedicated to their work in Haiti, where they grew up as children of full-time missionaries. The tragic incident occurred as they were leaving a youth group activity at a local church.
Esuaue Montis, Judes' brother, who was present during the attack, recounted the harrowing experience of being confronted by armed men. He narrowly escaped harm after a friend's phone call intervened, saving his life.
The killings have deeply shaken the community, prompting Missions in Haiti to express gratitude for the outpouring of support and prayers. The organization is now focused on ensuring the safe return of the Lloyd couple's bodies to the United States.
The violence in Haiti, where gangs control a significant portion of the capital, has drawn condemnation from the National Police. However, challenges persist in holding perpetrators accountable due to resource constraints within the police department.
As Haiti grapples with ongoing violence and instability, the tragic deaths of Judes Montis and the Lloyd couple serve as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those working to make a difference in the country.
