WILTON MANORS–Henry Vidal, the popular 32-year-old bartender at B. bar and Grille (formerly Bill’s), who died last Thursday, May 28, was murdered, according to new information released by the Broward County Sheriff’s office. While no cause of death has still been released, Detective Ricky Libman has been assigned the homocide case. No further details released for the active investigation.
Authorities ask anyone with additional information about the homicide to call Libman at 954-321-4210 or contact Broward Crime Stoppers, anonymously, at 954-493-8477 or browardcrimestoppers.org. (Crime Stoppers will pay up to $3,000 for information that leads to an arrest.)
Vidal was buried on Monday with the funeral mass taking place at St. Edward Catholic Church in Pembroke Pines. Over a hundred friends, business associates and family attended the viewing which preceded the mass at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care. An open casket contributed to the intensity of the emotion at the wake.
Vidal was born on December 14, 1982, in Hialeah, FL, to Enrique Vidal and Caridad Labarta. In addition to his parents, Vidal is survived by his sisters, Arlyn Vidal and Adriana Labarta.
Vidal’s body was discovered late in the afternoon last Thursday, and the Broward County Sheriff’s office has now confirmed that narcotics were found at the scene. According to local sources, Vidal had battled with his use of drugs for years, but had recently been making a determined effort to wean himself from its use.
A neighbor of Vidal told the Agenda that Vidal’s body was discovered by his manager at B. bar when the bartender failed to show up at work. He had apparently been dead for hours at that point. Vidal’s apartment door was unlocked, but according to Wilton Manors Police spokesperson Jennifer Bickhardt, there was no obvious signs of a struggle.
Wilton Manors Police questioned the B. bar manager for hours following his discovery. The area around Vidal’s apartment building, located at 578 NE 20 Street in Wilton Manors was cordoned off with yellow crime tape, with a large Crime Scene Investigation truck parked outside.
Vidal had been in excellent spirits the morning of this passing, and had spoken to several of his friends on the telephone about his plans for the day.
Vidal’s family, who lives in Hialeah, Florida, was not notified of his death until late in the evening, hours after the fact. Vidal’s best friend, Melanie Binder (pictured above) was notified in Austria.
In the day that has passed since Vidal’s death, there has been an outpouring of positive sentiment praising the bartender’s constant smile and indefatigable energy.
Patrick J. Schrader of Wilton Manors commented: “Henry Vidal will be remembered fondly. Big heart, big smile, and not an ounce of conceit. All those things are a testament to being raised by a loving family. May they find solace in the loving memories shared by those he influenced. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Aananda Yoga Teacher Karen Renee wrote: “Henry was the kindest, most gentlest human being that I have ever met. He will be missed dearly. I am blessed that I had the chance to have in my life.
Daniele Santoa of Sidelines Sports & Video Bar said: “I’ve known Henry for years. He was an amazing person who always had this amazing ability to make you smile or laugh even in the most crappiest of times.”
Bobby Neal Puredi, Graphic Designer for HotSpots! Magazine labeled Vidal: “A beautiful man inside and out. A true loss.”
Worcester State University’s Howard Glantz added: “I met Henry fifteen years ago. I will miss his smile. He quoted the late Dr. Leo Buscaglia who said: “Death is a challenge. It tells us not to waste time… It tells us to tell each other right now that we love each other.”
Robert Levey shared: “I am shocked. What an amazing person Henry is and (I) always had a great time with him. Wow, don’t know what to say other than we will very much miss you Henry.”
