Minnesota Missionary’s Wife Convicted In Husband’s Killing In Angola, Church Says

DETROIT LAKES, MN — A Detroit Lakes woman has been convicted by an Angolan court of involvement in the murder of her husband while the couple was serving as missionaries in southern Africa, according to her Minnesota church.

In a letter to the Lakes Area Vineyard Church community this week, lead pastor Troy Easton said Jackie Shroyer was found guilty by an Angolan court in the October 2024 killing of her husband, Beau Shroyer, and is expected to serve her sentence in an Angolan detention facility.

Easton said the verdict followed "a very thorough investigation and trial process that was monitored closely, conducted fairly, and carried out with integrity."

He described the outcome as "shocking and extremely difficult to comprehend" and urged church members to pray for the Shroyer family, especially the couple’s five children, who continue to be cared for by relatives with support from the church and SIM USA.

Background Of The Case

Beau and Jackie Shroyer moved to Angola in 2021 with their children as part of their mission work with SIM USA, a North Carolina–based Christian organization that supports international missionaries.

Beau was killed on Oct. 25, 2024, in what Angolan authorities described as a murder-for-hire plot.

Law enforcement officials alleged that Jackie arranged her husband’s killing, paying a security guard she was allegedly romantically involved with, along with two accomplices, about $50,000.

Police said Beau was lured to a remote area under the pretense of helping someone with car trouble, where he was attacked. Investigators reported recovering a knife and roughly $5,000 in local currency as part of the case.

Jackie was arrested in early November 2024 and formally charged in February 2025 as a co-author in her husband’s murder. Easton told congregants at the time that she would remain in custody and be tried before a judge.

Legal And Diplomatic Oversight

SIM USA said in a December 2024 statement that Jackie had an Angolan attorney and two American legal advisers, and that the FBI and U.S. State Department were aware of the proceedings.

The organization said its team in Angola was visiting Jackie regularly and providing supplemental food during her detention.

Easton reiterated in this week’s letter that while the outcome brings “clarity and closure,” it also carries “pain and confusion” for many in the Detroit Lakes community.

He encouraged members to pray for Jackie, her children, and all affected by the tragedy, adding that Sunday’s service will be devoted to worship, prayer, and communion rather than discussion of the case.

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."