The body of Ajax resident Merrick Aries, 43, was located by The Jamaica Constabulary Force on the Welcome Beach in May Pen, Clarendon on Oct. 24. (Courtesy: CTV News)
A vigil will be held in Toronto for a restaurant owner who was found with fatal gunshot wounds on a beach in Jamaica, according to local authorities.
The body of Ajax resident Merrick Aries, 43, was located by The Jamaica Constabulary Force on the Welcome Beach in May Pen, Clarendon on Oct. 24, according to CTV News.
Police reported that Aries was sighted at around 9:45 a.m. by someone who stumbled upon his body lying along the shore line with gunshot wounds.
Jamaica Observer, a popular news outlet in the country, said the body was “partially decomposed” and that Aries had what appeared to be gunshot wounds to both the head and upper body.
Additionally, the outlet reported that the victim may have been lured to the area and robbed, according to police theories.
Aries was reportedly the co-owner of a popular Caribbean restaurant called The Diner’s Corner, located in The Village at Yonge and Isabella streets, according to the Toronto Sun.
The community is planning a vigil for Aries on Wednesday outside of the restaurant from 6 to 9 p.m.
The evening will include drumming, singing, and dancing,along with a community healing circle.
“R.I.P. Merrick. He made the best festivals and his restaurant’s ambiance and meal presentation was truly amazing!! So sad,” one TikTok user wrote.
“You will dearly be missed, fly high,” another said.
“Rest in Power. Gone way too soon,” a user added.
