Adriana Younge’s death: Water samples sent for forensic analysis

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has explained that questions posed by the family and attorney of the late Adriana Younge during a “confidential” meeting earlier today remained unanswered because of their sensitive nature and the need for further clarification on particular inquiries.

This explanation comes hours after lead Attorney for the Younge family, Dexter Todd and Eusi Anderson expressed disappointment in not receiving answers relating to the girl’s death investigation.

The attorneys said that they met with Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken and deputies and asked questions about the identity of the lead investigator and others engaged in the matter, what the investigation entailed, whether homicide has been ruled out or addressed, what tests were sent overseas to be done, when they would be expected back in the country, whether water samples were taken from the pool and whether they were in receipt of the preliminary report of Adriana’s autopsy.

Those questions were met with the commissioner being “unable to say at this time”, Todd told media operatives subsequent to the engagement.

The GPF has now stated that water samples from the pool were collected and have been sent overseas for independent forensic analysis. They said that oversight of the investigation is being maintained at the senior level to ensure thoroughness and impartiality; that any information not provided during the meeting was withheld only to safeguard the integrity of the investigation and avoid compromising its outcomes and that the investigation is ongoing, with all leads and evidence actively being pursued.

The police said that several questions were answered during the meeting with Adriana’s family and lawyers, “while others, due to the sensitive and evolving nature of the investigation, required further verification and were deferred for written response following consultation with the investigative team.”

It was noted too “that this meeting was conducted in a confidential setting, in good faith, and with the shared understanding that the primary goal was to maintain open lines of communication with the family through their legal representatives”.

“Surely Mr. Todd, who served the Guyana Police Force for a number of years in various capacities including that of Personal Assist to a former Commissioner of Police, would understand the need for the careful handling of, and dissemination of information pertaining to any investigation that is active,” the police statement noted.

The force has sought, however, to reassure the public that every measure is being taken to ensure a thorough, transparent, and accountable process.

“The force remains steadfast in its duty to bring clarity and closure to this tragic situation, and we deeply appreciate the patience and understanding of the Younge family and the wider public as the investigation proceeds. The GPF remains committed to upholding public trust and delivering justice with integrity and professionalism,” the statement concluded.

Today marks 13 days since 11-year-old Adriana Younge’s body was pulled from the Double Day Hotel pool in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, after she went missing hours earlier at the said facility.