UPDATED: Detectives continue investigation after resident found murdered in Jamaica

January 2, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Brock Weir

A Canadian woman found dead in a home in Discovery Bay, Jamaica on December 30 has been confirmed as Shirley Lewis-McFarlane.

Ms. Lewis-McFarlane, 53, was found dead Monday at the home. Described as a frequent visitor to the island, Jamaican media report he suffered injuries to her face and there were no signs of a forced entry.

Officials confirmed Ms. McFarlane’s identity to Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown on Wednesday evening.

“There is an ongoing investigation and notification to the family has all taken place and consular services are available,” said Ms. Brown.

Added Caitlin Workman, spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the Canadian Citizen who passed away in Jamaica. Canadian officials are in contact with local authorities to gather additional information and are providing consular assistance to the family.”

Ms. Lewis-McFarlane 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.

Police from Kingston, Jamaica were on the ground in St. Ann parish into Friday afternoon, according to the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

“The detectives in Kingston are presently in St. Ann looking into the situation,” Steve Brown of the Constabulary told The Auroran on Friday. “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 aspects of [her injuries] and that is the situation right now.”

Brown said he expected a further update by the weekend.

“I was close to my mom and I talked to her every day multiple times,” said Shawn.

In a Facebook tribute set up in her memory, daughter Jasmine said it didn’t seem real.

“I feel like I could just call her and ask 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 east 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.”

This story will be updated.