DETROIT LAKES, Minn. — Two more people have been arrested in connection with the death of a Minnesota man serving as a missionary in Angola with his family.
Beau Shroyer, 44, of Detroit Lakes, was killed on Friday, Oct. 25. According to Lakes Area Vineyard Church Pastor Troy Easton, Shroyer's wife was arrested a few days later in connection with his death.
An Angolan news source, Angop, wrote that on Thursday, Nov. 7, two men were arrested in southern Angola, also in connection with Shroyer's death. The couple's housekeeper, who officials think was in a relationship with Shroyer's wife was arrested on Oct. 29 and a second person was arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Officials are still searching for a third suspect.
The two men were brought to Angola's capital, Lubango, by the Criminal Investigation Service (SIC). The agency revealed details of the case, including allegations that Shroyer's wife hired the three men to kill her husband in exchange for $50,000. Manuel Halaiwa, a lead investigator with SIC, said the motives for the killing were "strong suspicions of a romantic relationship between the person who ordered the crime and accomplice, the guard at the couple's residence."
He said they believed Shrovyer's wife didn't want to leave Angola when her husband's mission ended, according to Angop's reporting.
Authorities noted that all three of the suspected men have a criminal record, including robbery with a firearm and kidnapping.
Halaiwa officials believe the three men were paid $400 to prepare for the crime and they were told they would receive another $9,000 when they were done. On the day of the alleged crime, officials said, the suspects rented a car and drove to a remote location. They pretended the vehicle had broken down and when Shroyer attempted to help them, they killed him, according to SIC.
The American embassy is monitoring the SIC's process and authorities are in contact with other family members, officials said to Angop.
SIM USA, the missionary service overseeing Shroyer's work in Africa, released a statement, saying in part:
"The global SIM community is heartbroken over the death of our friend and colleague Beau Shroyer, who was killed in a violent criminal attack in Angola on Friday, October 25.
SIM is grateful to Angolan law enforcement for their diligence in investigating this matter and encourages patience and respect for all involved as the legal process unfolds. SIM remains committed to supporting the ongoing pursuit of justice for Beau and has taken steps to ensure that Jackie has appropriate legal representation.
The SIM USA leadership team is working closely with the SIM team in Angola and with the Shroyers’ home church, Lakes Area Vineyard Church in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, to care for the Shroyers’ five children and everyone else affected by this tragedy. We continue to keep them all in our prayers.
Out of respect for the ongoing investigation and those experiencing unimaginable grief and loss during this time, SIM is unable to provide further comment."
Pastor Troy Easton previously said in a letter Shroyer and his wife shared five children, all of whom are reportedly being "well cared for" in the wake of their father's death and mother's arrest.
KARE 11 has reached out to Lakes Area Vineyard Church for more information.