Woman Charged in Murder-for-Hire Plot Against Her Missionary Husband

A Minnesota mother of five who was on a missionary trip with her husband in Angola has been charged with orchestrating the murder of her husband, allegedly motivated by a secret affair with the family’s security guard and a $50,000 payment to killers.

Key Takeaways

Jackie Shroyer has been formally charged as a “co-author” and “mastermind” in the murder of her husband Beau while the family was serving as missionaries in Angola.
Authorities allege Jackie was romantically involved with security guard Bernardino Elias, who offered another man $50,000 to carry out the killing.
The murder involved a staged car breakdown and knife attack, with one suspect still on the run.
The couple’s five children have been returned to the United States and are being cared for by family members.
Jackie faces trial in Angola within six months, with support from SIM USA for her legal defense.

Murder Plot Uncovered in Missionary Family

Jackie Shroyer, a Minnesota missionary and mother of five, stands accused of orchestrating the murder of her husband Beau Shroyer while the family was serving in Angola, Africa. According to their church, authorities have formally charged Jackie as a “co-author” in the killing that has shocked both the missionary community and their hometown supporters. Two Angolan men, Bernardino Elias and Isalino Kayôo, have been arrested in connection with the murder, while a third suspect, Gelson Ramos, remains at large and is described by Angolan law enforcement as “on the run.”

Missionary Mother of 5 Officially Charged in Murder-For-Hire Plot of Her Husband https://t.co/Fnibt2VpTV

— People (@people) February 26, 2025

Affair and Financial Motive

Investigators have uncovered disturbing details about the death of Beau Shroyer. Angola law enforcement officials have labeled Jackie the “mastermind” behind the plot, citing evidence of an alleged romantic relationship between Jackie and Bernardino Elias, who worked as the family’s security guard. According to court documents, Elias reportedly offered Kayôo $50,000 to carry out the murder of Beau Shroyer, a former Detroit Lakes police officer who had transitioned to missionary work.

The murder reportedly resulted from Jackie’s desire to remain in Angola after their mission was scheduled to end. Authorities say the killers staged a car breakdown on a remote road and attacked Beau with a knife when he stopped to help. This alleged premeditated plan has shocked the missionary organization SIM USA, which deployed the couple and their five children to Angola in 2021.

Impact on the Children and Community

The five Shroyer children have been brought back to the United States and are currently being cared for by family members. They reportedly maintain weekly contact with their mother, who remains in custody in Angola. A funeral service for Beau was held on November 30, 2024, where he was remembered as someone who was “killed in an act of violence while serving Jesus in Angola, Africa,” according to a statement from Lakes Area Vineyard.

Legal Proceedings and Support

Jackie Shroyer is scheduled to face trial in Angola within the next six months. SIM USA has confirmed it is supporting her legal team while simultaneously providing care for the five children. The FBI and State Department are aware of the case, though their involvement remains limited as the crime occurred in Angola. SIM USA colleagues have stated that Jackie is “being supported by SIM colleagues and others” during this time.

SIM USA has requested continued prayers and support for all involved but has declined further comment out of respect for the ongoing judicial process. The children are reportedly adapting to their new circumstances and continuing their home-schooling routines as the legal case against their mother proceeds in Angola.