A northwestern Minnesota woman has been convicted in the 2024 slaying of her missionary husband in the African country where they were living.
Jackie Shroyer, of Detroit Lakes, was convicted by an Angolan court of plotting to murder Beau Shroyer on Oct. 25, 2024, according to a Wednesday post written by Lead Pastor Troy Easton on the website of the Lakes Area Vineyard Church in Detroit Lakes.
“It saddens me deeply to share the following update regarding the legal proceedings involving Jackie Shroyer,” Easton wrote. “This morning, I was notified that Jackie was convicted by an Angolan court of involvement in the murder of her husband, Beau Shroyer.”
Jackie Shroyer is expected to serve her sentence in an Angolan detention facility, Easton added. He did not elaborate on the length of the sentence.
“Though this news is shocking and extremely difficult to comprehend, it’s important for you to know that this verdict follows a very thorough investigation and trial process that was monitored closely, conducted fairly, and carried out with integrity,” Easton said.
“While I am grateful for the clarity and closure this brings, I am also deeply grieved, knowing how much pain and confusion this news carries for so many, especially for Beau and Jackie’s children and family. The Shroyer children continue to be well cared for …,” Easton wrote.
Beau Shroyer was a longtime Detroit Lakes city police officer and member of the Lakes Area Vineyard Church before moving to Africa in 2021 with his wife and five children to do missionary work.
Several young Angolan men, all with criminal records of armed robbery and kidnapping, have also been accused in the case, according to the Angolan federal Criminal Investigation Service.
In a Nov. 7, 2024, report by the Angolan Press Agency, the Criminal Investigation Service alleged that Jackie Shroyer, then 44, was the “mastermind” behind the murder, which allegedly occurred after Beau Shroyer, also 44, was lured to a remote area by the suspects, who feigned engine failure, then fatally stabbed him while his wife was away from the scene.
The motive for the murder, according to the Angolan police agency, was “strong suspicions of a romantic relationship” with a security guard who has been charged, and “a presumed intention of the wife not wanting to leave Angola when her husband’s mission had ended.”
