Syrian national Rhoudi Shmaly will be laid to rest today following a funeral service at the The Marcilas Antiochian Orthodox Church, located in Blue Waters. The service is expected to begin at 3 PM.

He will be buried at the St. John’s Public Cemetery.

Shmaly became the country’s first homicide victim after he was shot dead by a young man during a robbery at the Pick N Mix Mart on Desouza Road last month. He was just weeks shy of his 26^th birthday when he met his demise.

Arrangements were being made to have his body flown to Syria but members of the community said it was too costly. They estimated it to be close to US$60.000

A decision was made to bury him in Antigua and Barbuda instead.

Shmaly was described by his family and friends as a kind and loving young man who worked hard.

He migrated to Antigua and Barbuda during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the hopes of raising enough money to marry his fiancé who waited in Syria.

A major procession is also being organized for today as well. Syrians are expected to turn out in large numbers. Some Syrian-owned businesses are also expected to operate at reduced hours today.

A 16-year-old has been arrested and charged with Shmaly’s murder. The minor is currently on remand at His Majesty’s Prison.