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Two U.S. Missionaries Killed in Jamaica

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  • Updated May 03, 2016

Two American missionaries have been killed in Jamaica, according to ABC News.

The bodies of the two missionaries were found in bushes in separate areas of St. Mary parish. They have been identified as 48-year-old Randy Hentzel and 53-year-old Harold Nichols.

Authorities are still seeking information on a motive for the murders. 

Hentzel was from Donnellson, Iowa, according to his Facebook page. Nichols’ hometown is not known at this time.

Both men worked as missionaries in Jamaica as part of Teams for Medical Missions. They did evangelism and Bible ministry and helped to build homes.

They were reportedly going to check on the progress of a home they were building when they were ambushed and killed.

"We do not know who would do this or what their motivation was. These men greatly loved the people of Jamaica and were greatly loved in return," said John Heater, executive director of Teams for Medical Missions.

Jamaica is known as a dangerous country. In 2015, Jamaica had 1,192 murders, a roughly 20 percent increase from the previous year. 

The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica said that officials have been in touch with the families of the victims.

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: May 3, 2016