Four in custody over teen’s death on Essequibo Lake

Four individuals are in police custody as investigations continue into the death of Aarif Azeez at the “Hot and Cold” Lake in Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast, authorities said.

Azeez reportedly drowned on April 6, but his family has disputed the circumstances, raising concerns about possible foul play and the handling of the investigation.

In a statement, relatives cited what they described as inconsistencies between eyewitness accounts and physical evidence. One account suggested Azeez fell from a jet ski and failed to resurface, but the family said this does not align with the condition of his body or the scene.

They said the body, recovered the following day, showed multiple injuries, including fractures, bruising and trauma to the face. Damage was also observed on the jet ski.

The family further noted that the jet ski was found about 1,700 feet from the reported point of the incident, while another remained closer to that location.

A post-mortem examination concluded that Azeez died by drowning, with injuries consistent with a heavy impact to the right side of his body.

Relatives have accused police in Region Two of negligence, alleging that key witnesses were not interviewed and that investigators relied heavily on accounts from those present at the scene.

They have called for an independent probe and for the case to be transferred to the Major Crimes Unit in Georgetown, urging that all evidence be compiled before submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions.