CLARENDON, Jamaica — The decomposing body of a man was found in Salt River, Clarendon Tuesday morning.

Police said the body is believed to be that of Merrick Aries, a 43-year-old resident of 46 Paddington Terrace in Kingston.

According to the police, the partially decomposed body was discovered in bushes in Salt River about 9:30 am. The body had what appeared to be gunshot wounds to the head and upper body.

The police said they were summoned to the location by residents who made the gruesome discovery.

Upon the cops’ arrival the body was seen on its back, clad in a white T-shirt, white underpants, blue jeans and white sneakers. The deceased’s pants were halfway down and his belt undone.

A grey Honda motor vehicle was parked beside the body. Checks revealed that the car is the property of a car rental company with branches in Kingston, St Ann and St James.

The police said items were found in the car that could assist them with their investigation.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the vehicle was rented in St James last Saturday and was supposed to be returned on October 30.

Based on their assessment of the scene the police theorise that Aries may have been lured to the area and was robbed of his belongings.