This page was exported from The Auroran [ http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran ] Export date:Thu Jul 18 19:23:25 2024 / +0000 GMT ___________________________________________________ Title: UPDATED: Police continue search for leads, family in Jamaican murder --------------------------------------------------- By Brock Weir Police are still searching for leads in the murder of Aurora resident Shirley Lewis-McFarlane. Ms. Lewis-McFarlane, 53, was found dead in her Discovery Bay, Jamaica, home on Monday, December 30 with injuries to her body. Described as a frequent visitor to the island, Jamaican media reported she suffered injuries to her head and face, but there were no signs of forced entry. On Friday, officials with the Jamaica Constabulary Force told The Auroran police from Kingston were on the ground in St. Ann Parish continuing the investigation. “They are presently in St. Ann looking into the situation,” said Steve Brown of the Constabulary. “We don't know the circumstances, whether it was a robbery, or whether she was found with her throat slashed. The post-mortem will determine that, but we know she was found with a wound, which indicates she was murdered. Detectives are now discussing the aspect of [her injuries] and that is the situation right now.” The situation had changed little by Saturday evening with Police still conducting interviews in the area, and also trying to locate her estranged husband. “Detectives are still gathering information from family members and friends, and following all leads where they arise. Efforts are also being made to locate her husband, whom she is said to have separated from some time ago.” Ms. Lewis-McFarlane, a long-time resident of Aurora was the daughter of former York Regional Police Officer Don Lewis, Sr., and his late wife Joyce. She is survived by her three children, Jasmine, Amanda and Shawn. In a Facebook tribute set up in her memory, daughter Jasmine said the entire situation was surreal. “I feel like I could just call her and ask her what I should be doing,” Jasmine wrote. “Remembrance was very important to her. She would visit gramma's grave and other family who reside in Aurora Cemetery at least once a week, planting new flowers, watering, even tending flowers of strangers that had been neglected. “She was always amazed at the markers people had and I knew her favourites – the tree, the Empire State Building, the new child's one by the back fence. She knew what was supposed to happen in these situations and she executed these arrangements in military precision. Mom, we'll try to give you everything you would have wanted. You didn't deserve any of what happened, but you deserve a beautiful place to rest. I promise to pick up where you left off.” Added Shawn: “I was close to my mom and I talked to her every day multiple times.” While Jamaican authorities continue their investigation, people here in Canada have reached out to help the family bring Ms. Lewis-McFarlane's remains back home. An online fund was established Saturday in her memory with a goal of $10,000 to help the family bring her home and provide for her funeral. “[Her children] are all heartbroken and devastated,” said fundraiser founder Stephanie Dawber-Richards in a statement. “They are preparing for her to be flown back to Canada where they can properly say goodbye to their best friend and mother. This is going to be a long, hard road for them, both emotionally and financially. They are going to need all the help they can get. “They are such a wonderful family, well-mannered and always had a smile on their faces; they learned this from their warm-hearted, open-armed mother who would do anything for anyone, even give the shirt off her back, even if she needed it. She raised her children to do just that. “Now it is time that we need to give back to this family, in this time of great need. I would like them to be able to mourn their mother and not have to worry about losing hours at work. I want them to be able to fly their mother home and have a beautiful funeral for her, to have their closure.” To support the fund, visit www.gofundme.com/61oyeo . --------------------------------------------------- Images: --------------------------------------------------- Excerpt: Police are still searching for leads in the murder of Aurora resident Shirley Lewis-McFarlane. Ms. Lewis-McFarlane, 53, was found dead in her Discovery Bay, Jamaica, home on Monday, December 30 with injuries to her body. Described as a frequent visitor to the island, she suffered injuries to her head and face, but there were no signs of forced entry. On Friday... --------------------------------------------------- Post date: 2014-01-04 17:42:16 Post date GMT: 2014-01-04 22:42:16 Post modified date: 2014-01-08 14:04:31 Post modified date GMT: 2014-01-08 19:04:31 ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Export of Post and Page as text file has been powered by [ Universal Post Manager ] plugin from www.gconverters.com