An American missionary was killed by still unidentified gunmen while serving in Haiti, and the young child under her care was also kidnapped.
Haiti's National Police told NBC News that Roberta Edwards, 55, was killed in her car on Saturday night, while the four-year-old child inside the vehicle was kidnapped. The police said they are conducting a thorough investigation and could not provide any more details on the case.
Edwards was the administrator of Sonlight Children's Home in Port-au-Prince, according to the Estes Church of Christ in Henderson, Tennessee. She provided care for 20 orphaned or unwanted children at her own home.
The kind-hearted missionary served as the director for a nutrition centre that feeds around 160 children at least twice a day, five days a week. She also provided funds for these children to go to school.
Edwards had been with the Estes Church of Christ in Henderson, Tennessee. She provided care for 20 orphaned or unwanted children at her own home.
The kind-hearted missionary served as the director for a nutrition centre that feeds around 160 children at least twice a day, five days a week. She also provided funds for these children to go to school.
Edwards had been with the Estes Church of Christ since 2002. Its minister Dr. Jesse Robertson expressed shock at what happened, saying her death is a great loss to their organisation. "Roberta was remarkable. She had an unwavering love of God, her children and the people of Haiti," he said. "We are absolutely devastated by her loss."
The church authorities said they were able to gather some details on the crime. Their sources said Edwards was driving towards the city on Saturday night when another vehicle blocked her path. "Armed gunmen emerged from the vehicle and fired into Roberta's car, causing her death," they said. "Haitian authorities are investigating, and the identity of the perpetrators and the motive are not known at this time."
The missionary is survived by her parents Robert and Laura Edwards. State Department spokesperson Katy Bondy said they are providing whatever assistance they can to Edwards' family. "We offer our condolences to her family and loved ones on their loss," she said in a statement.
