A pastor's wife faces serious charges after allegedly orchestrating her husband's murder while involved with their security guard in Angola.

According to Daily Mail, Jackie Shroyer, 44, has been formally charged with masterminding the killing of her pastor husband Beau Shroyer while allegedly carrying on an affair with their family's Angolan bodyguard.

The couple had relocated from Minnesota to Angola with their five children in 2021 as part of missionary work. Beau Shroyer, also 44, was stabbed to death on October 25, 2024, after being lured to a remote location by three men who allegedly received payment from Jackie to carry out the killing.

Bodyguard romance fueled deadly conspiracy

Authorities believe Jackie paid three men approximately $50,000 to murder her husband. Two suspects have been apprehended while a third remains at large. Among those arrested was Bernadino Elias, 24, who worked as a security guard for the family and was allegedly involved romantically with Jackie Shroyer.

The murder plot unfolded when the men lured Beau to an isolated area by pretending to have car trouble. They then fatally stabbed him, according to Angolan police. Investigators reportedly found an American-made knife at the crime scene that had been given to Elias as a gift, linking him directly to the murder.

Troy Easton, lead pastor at Lakes Area Vineyard Church in Detroit Lakes where Beau had connections, confirmed the charges against Jackie. He expressed his deep sorrow over the situation while providing updates about the case's progression.

Children face uncertain future amid tragedy

The Shroyers' five children will continue to be cared for by other family members with support from both SIM USA, the missionary organization Beau worked with, and their hometown church. This arrangement ensures some stability for the children while their mother remains in custody awaiting trial.

Jackie is expected to stand trial before a judge within the next six months. She will remain in Angolan custody until her case is heard. The legal process in Angola differs significantly from American procedures, with trials typically conducted before judges rather than juries.

Initial reports following Beau's murder suggested Jackie was upset about potentially leaving Angola when her husband's mission was scheduled to conclude. This motive contrasts sharply with subsequent revelations about her alleged affair with their security guard and her involvement in a murder-for-hire plot.

Suspects have violent criminal backgrounds

Both Elias and his alleged co-conspirator Isalino Kayoo, 23, have been arrested in connection with the crime. A third suspect, Gelson Ramos, 22, remains at large. According to Angola's Criminal Investigation Service, all three men have criminal histories that include armed robbery and kidnapping.

The murder sent shockwaves through the church community back in Minnesota. Initially, Beau's death was described simply as the result of a "violent, criminal attack," with the full details of the conspiracy emerging only later through police investigation.

Beau's body was eventually returned to the United States on December 14, though delays with customs postponed his burial until December 21. A fundraising campaign was established to help with expenses related to returning his remains and supporting the family during this difficult time.

Former officer turned missionary meets violent end

Before becoming a missionary, Beau Shroyer had worked as a police officer with the Detroit Lakes Police Department beginning in 2013. He later transitioned to real estate before ultimately pursuing his calling as a pastor. The family's 2021 move to Angola represented one of the first missionary families to relocate there after pandemic restrictions eased.

Throughout his time in Angola, Beau regularly shared updates about his missionary work on social media. His commitment to his faith and service continued until his untimely death. A graveside service described as "short, but meaningful" was eventually held with family members present.

A poignant update on his GoFundMe page noted that despite delays in his burial, the family found comfort in having him "home." The update included a bittersweet observation about the timing of his funeral service being delayed.

Betrayal and justice await final resolution

Jackie Shroyer's case has brought international attention to what authorities describe as a calculated murder plot born from betrayal. The pastor's wife allegedly orchestrated her husband's killing while carrying on a relationship with their young Angolan bodyguard, paying approximately $50,000 to have Beau murdered.

The investigation uncovered that Beau was lured to a remote location under false pretenses before being stabbed to death on October 25, 2024. Two suspects have been arrested while one remains on the run, with all three having histories of violent crime according to Angolan authorities.

Why This Story Matters

This unfortunate incident is a stark reminder of how deeply personal conflicts can ripple through communities, affecting families and organizations far beyond the immediate victims. It challenges us to consider the safety and integrity of those we place in positions of trust, especially in settings as vulnerable as missionary work.

In conclusion, the murder of Beau Shroyer is a profound loss felt beyond his immediate family, affecting the broader community of faith and missionary work globally. The ramifications of this case continue to unfold, serving as a grim reminder of the potential human cost of betrayal and violence.