“We’re here to say how hurt we are, and to support each other,’’ said Joni Soffron, 64, of Ipswich, one of the organizers of the vigil.
“This is kind of our little way of grieving together. He’s going to be missed, terribly.’’
Shui Keung “Tony’’ Woo was found last Tuesday tied up and shot to death inside his restaurant. Authorities have said little about why he was killed. No arrests have been made. Essex District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett is heading up the investigation.
The killing, Ipswich’s first homicide since 1975, has rocked this community, known for its seafood, New England charm, and low crime rate.
“I’m still in shock. Until we know what happened and why it happened, we’re all just going to be shocked,’’ said Julie Shea, 47, who also organized the vigil. “He was always cracking jokes, always had a great smile. This just really devastated the town. We want justice. These things cannot happen. Nobody deserves this, but particularly Tony.’’
Shea said Woo was quick to offer to sponsor town events; he had sponsored her daughter’s soccer team for four years. His restaurant was a go-to spot for wedding rehearsal dinners, showers, and New Year’s Eve catering.
Several dozen people stood outside last night, holding candles and signs. They shared their favorite stories about Woo and sang “Amazing Grace.’’ Some shed tears, while others laughed as they repeated some of his favorite jokes, some off-color.
“What’s going on with this country?’’ asked Annette Crowe, 64, of Rowley. “I hope they catch the person, and they get what’s coming to them.’’
Crowe, like many others, has dined at the Majestic Dragon for many years. The patrons grew to know and love Woo, who lived in Quincy, but was known to sleep at the restaurant after working all day and night.
Woo’s cuisine won praise, too.
“The food was tremendous,’’ Crowe said. “I used to bring my kids there, now my grandkids. The restaurant was always full.’’
John Rewson, 46, a truck driver and Army veteran from Rowley, said Woo never turned anyone away.
