PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti (CMC)— Authorities in Haiti have made a significant breakthrough in the case involving the brutal murder of two American missionaries and a Haitian citizen. On August 5th, the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ) announced the arrest of 52-year-old Bénicé Célestin, implicating him in the tragic incident that took place on May 22 at an orphanage in the Port-au-Prince area.
The victims, Natalie and Davy Lloyd, were dedicated missionaries from the United States, specifically from Missouri, and were the daughter and son-in-law of state legislator Ben Baker. The couple, along with a Haitian employee of the orphanage, were attacked and killed by an armed gang in the Lizon area of Plaine, known for its heavy gang activity.
The DCPJ has committed to releasing a comprehensive report on the case in the coming days, which is expected to provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding the murders and the investigation leading to Célestin’s arrest.
This tragic incident has been part of a broader pattern of violence plaguing Haiti in recent years. Between January and May 2024 alone, there have been over 3,200 reported killings across the nation, and gang violence has displaced more than half a million residents.
In February, the situation in Haiti deteriorated significantly, with gangs launching coordinated attacks on key government installations, including police stations and the main international airport, which was forced to shut down for nearly three months. Additionally, armed groups stormed into Haiti’s largest prisons, resulting in the escape of thousands of inmates.
With the Haitian government struggling to restore order and security, an international police force led by Kenya and backed by the United Nations arrived in June. This intervention came nearly two years after Haiti’s government first requested urgent assistance from the international community.
The National Police’s Press and Public Relations Service has assured the public that more information related to the case will become available soon. This recent arrest marks a critical step toward justice for the slain missionaries and the Haitian citizen, as well as a potential turning point in the ongoing struggle against rampant gang violence in the region.
As the investigation continues and more details are disclosed, the international community watches closely, hoping for increased stability and security in a country that has endured profound turmoil in recent years.
