An American woman, Jackie Shroyer, has been convicted in Angola for orchestrating the murder of her husband, Beau Shroyer, who was a missionary from Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. An Angolan court found Jackie guilty of being the mastermind behind the killing, and she will serve her prison sentence in the country. While the exact length of her sentence was not disclosed, her church, Lakes Area Vineyard Church, confirmed that she would remain in an Angolan prison facility.
Beau was found dead on October 25, 2024, inside a vehicle in Thienjo, a town in southern Angola. His death shocked both his family in Minnesota and the missionary community he had worked with through SIM USA. Days later, Angolan authorities arrested Jackie, describing her as the key planner behind the murder. Police also detained three men accused of helping her: Bernardino Isaac Elias, Isalino Musselenga Kayoo, and another known by the nickname “Vin Diesel.” A fourth suspect, Gelson Guerreiro Ramos, reportedly fled and remains at large.
Officials in Angola say the murder was driven by jealousy and an affair. Manuel Halaiwa, head of criminal investigations with the Angolan Criminal Investigation Service (SIC), told local media that Jackie had developed a romantic relationship with Elias, the couple’s security guard. Investigators believe Jackie and Elias plotted to kill Beau because she wanted to remain in Angola even though their mission work was nearing its end, while her husband planned for the family to return to the United States.
Authorities said Elias promised Kayoo $50,000 to help carry out the crime. Days before the killing, Jackie and Elias reportedly went to the scene to plan how she would lure Beau there. On the day of the murder, the suspects rented a car, drove to the location, and pretended to have a vehicle breakdown. When Beau stopped to assist, a knife was used to kill him. Officials said Jackie went into nearby woods before the attack took place to distance herself from the immediate scene.
After Beau’s death, his cousin, Bret Shroyer, described him as a devoted family man and a pillar of strength. “Beau was a rock, just a really strong member of the family,” Bret said. “He was always supportive and constantly looking for ways to help others.”
In a statement, Vineyard Church lead pastor Troy Easton said the congregation was devastated by the verdict but expressed confidence in the fairness of the legal process. “Though this news is shocking and extremely difficult to comprehend, it’s important to know that this verdict follows a very thorough investigation and trial process that was conducted fairly and with integrity,” he said.
Following Jackie’s arrest, the couple’s five children were brought back to the United States to live with relatives. SIM USA, the Christian organization the family worked with, said it continues to support the children and has established a dedicated fund to ensure their long-term care and stability.
“The circumstances of Beau’s death are tragic and heartbreaking,” SIM USA said in a statement. “But we are grateful for the measure of closure this verdict brings and pray it represents a step toward healing for all those impacted. We remain committed to supporting the Shroyer children through counseling and financial assistance.”
The case has left both the missionary and church communities mourning the loss of a man remembered for his compassion, faith, and dedication to helping others. Meanwhile, Jackie Shroyer’s conviction closes a painful chapter for many who followed the case, though it has left lingering questions about how such a tragedy unfolded within a family devoted to service abroad.
