Two American missionaries working for TEAMS for Medical Missions in Jamaica were found brutally murdered over the weekend and community members are struggling to understand why.

Harold Nichols, 53, and Randy Hentzel, 48, disappeared on Saturday from the northeastern parish of St. Mary, reports Christian Today. The two missionaries supported churches and managed medical mission programs.

Joshua Polacheck, a spokesman for the U.S. Embassy, commented on the tragic event. “We are saddened by the horrible deaths of the two American missionaries,” he said. “They’re not just visiting, but have been pillars of both communities for years. The ambassador has been in contact with the highest levels of the Jamaican security apparatus, and we are hoping for a speedy resolution to this matter and that the killers are found and brought to justice.”

The Jamaica Gleaner reported on the deaths. The short video clip is below.

Jamaica’s police commissioner Dr. Carl Williams called the crimes atrocious.

The TEAMS for Medical Missions issued this statement:

On Saturday, April 30, Harold Nichols and Randy Hentzel, two of our missionaries in Jamaica were murdered. 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. TEAMS for Medical Missions remains committed to serving the people of Jamaica and demonstrating the unconditional love of Christ. Our T4MM family is grieving and we covet your prayers. We serve an amazing God who is able to bring beauty from ashes and it is in Him that we put our trust.