Mother who allegedly strangled daughter ‘can’t remember doing anything,’ says grandmother

The mother of a seven-year-old girl allegedly strangled in Fyrish Village, Corentyne, Berbice, says she “can’t remember doing anything,” according to the child’s grandmother.

Sarah Elizabeth Shivpersaud, 26, remains hospitalised under police guard at Port Mourant Public Hospital in stable condition, confirmed Assistant Commissioner and Regional Commander Shivpersaud Bacchus. Her mother, Lalita Brijlall, said on Thursday that she had spoken with her daughter.

The victim, Isabella Dabadial, reportedly died after being suffocated by her mother. Her younger brother, Ethan, aged 1 year and 9 months, survived the attack unharmed.

Shivpersaud was reportedly facing personal difficulties in the days before the incident, including her husband leaving the home. It is also claimed that she had not eaten that morning, which reportedly contributed to her actions.

Following the attack, Shivpersaud reportedly attempted to harm herself and was hospitalised under police supervision. A post-mortem confirmed that Isabella died from manual strangulation. The case is being treated as a suspected murder. Her funeral is scheduled for Friday.