Former missionary sentenced to prison for husband’s death

A court in central Africa sentenced Jackie Shroyer to 24 years in prison for involvement in the murder of her missionary husband, Beau, while serving abroad. The pair moved to Angola in 2021 with their five children to serve with the missionary organization SIM USA. Beau was found dead in a vehicle near where the family was living in October 2024. He had been stabbed, authorities said. Angolan authorities accused Jackie of promising to pay three men to murder Beau, and claimed the widow was involved in a romantic relationship with one of the men, according to Angola’s state-owned press agency. The three men convicted of helping her carry out the murder were also sentenced to prison for terms ranging from 21 to 22 years, according to a translation of the press agency’s story.

Shoyer’s defense attorney said he planned to appeal her conviction, according to the story. 

What is the family’s home church saying? The family attended Lakes Area Vineyard Church in northeastern Minnesota before deploying to the mission field. Lead pastor Troy Easton confirmed Jackie’s conviction in an early November letter to the congregation. The news was shocking, but the verdict came after a thorough investigation and a fair trial that was carried out with integrity, Easton said. The pastor was grateful for clarity and closure from the conviction, but he acknowledged that the church was heartbroken over this unimaginable reality. God will somehow use this darkness for his glory, Easton said. He prayed that the Holy Spirit would comfort the Shroyers’ children and extended family, and that Jackie would run toward God.

How is SIM responding to the conviction? SIM thanked Angolan authorities for the diligent investigation into Beau’s murder, and hoped the heartbreaking verdict would be a step towards healing for all involved, according to an early November statement. The Shroyer children are being well cared for by close family, and SIM will continue supporting them with counselors and long-term financial support, the mission group said.

Dig deeper: Read Lauren Canterberry’s report on Jackie’s initial arrest for more details on the case.