Family, Friends Hold Candlelight Vigil For Bridgeton Man Jonathan Morris Jr.: 'He Was Our Gentle Giant'
BRIDGETON, N.J. (CBS) -- On Saturday night, friends and family of the South Jersey man found shot to death and buried in the snow earlier this week gathered for a candlelight vigil in his honor. Twenty-three-year-old Jonathan Morris Jr. of Bridgeton was reported missing on Jan. 28.
Police found his body three days later.
"He was our gentle giant," Corinth Pernell, Morris' aunt, said.
Family and friends of Morris gathered Saturday night to light candles and remember the Bridgeton man whose 6-foot-6 stature was just as big as his heart.
"He won't hurt nobody, he was just a good kid," Stephanie Pernell, Morris' mother, said.
Mourners met on the same football field where the 23-year-old they called "Jon-Jon" grew up playing, something that took some coaxing at times.
"One of the coaches said they used to have to bribe him with money and pizza to tackle out here because he didn't want to tackle, he was very sweet, very sweet," Pernell said.
On Monday, New Jersey State Police found Morris' snow-covered body along Archie Platt Road after he was reported missing and his Gray 2012 BMW was found the Friday prior.
Officials say 21-year-old Miguel Perez, an acquaintance from high school, shot Morris and discarded his body, although they have not given a motive
"I just want to know why, why would he do such a thing to him," Stephanie Pernell said.
Morris's mom and dad addressed the crowd of several hundred people who braved the frigid temperatures to pay their respects on Saturday.
"Hug your kids," Morris' father said.
Stephanie Pernell also thanked the people who searched for her son after he was reported missing.
Now, as they prepare to say their final goodbyes, their hearts remain heavy for this giant loss.
"I just keep praying, that's all I have been doing is praying," Stephanie Pernell said.
Perez has been charged with first-degree murder.
Morris' funeral is planned for Feb. 12.
