45 Int’l forensic experts eager to review Adriana Younge’s case

May 07, 2025 News

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—  Lawyer seeks autopsy report, pushes for accountability

By Shania Williams

Kaieteur News- New attorney representing the family of 11-year-old Adriana Younge, Dr. Dexter Todd, has revealed that at least 45 international forensic experts have expressed strong interest in reviewing the circumstances surrounding the young girl’s death.

In an interview with Kaieteur News on Tuesday, Dr. Todd said he will be meeting with Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken and Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum to seek answers on the investigation in Adriana’s case and request a copy of the preliminary autopsy report.

He said international experts and the public are demanding details on the autopsy report. The mysterious circumstances surrounding Adriana’s death have sparked global attention, with people expressing disgust and dissatisfaction over the manner in which the investigation is being handled. As such, Dr Todd noted that there is no lack of international expertise to assist in Adriana’s case.

In the interview, Dr. Todd shared details on his proceedings with the case.

No lack of international experts

Dr. Dexter Todd emphasised that numerous international experts are ready to assist in the investigation into Adriana Younge’s death.

“There have been countless groups, professional body groups from around the world who’ve been reaching out. And they have access to experts too,” Dr. Todd said. “And so, I think the idea is to really speak and to see where we are lacking in Guyana and where we can invite the help. People in groups are volunteering to come. Even the issue of forensic psychology, in relation to talking with the people and the family members who might be affected and so on, we want] to be able to have an all-encompassing approach to this matter. I think that’s the approach.”

He stressed that the level of interest from international specialists has been significant, with dozens offering to assist.

“So, we have available to us a number of forensic pathologists from around the world,” he explained. “I think right now, the number went up today at 45 professors who just want to have the case file and they will review it. We are not going to lack in this case, by any imagination, of not having the experts. They are available.”

Push for answers

Adriana Younge was reported missing on April 23 while on an outing with family at the Double Day International Hotel and Bar in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. Despite searches made of the pool and sections of the hotel, she was not found until her body mysteriously turned up in the pool hours later. Her family strongly believes she was murdered, although a post-mortem examination concluded she died by drowning.

Dr. Todd, who recently replaced attorney Darren Wade as the family’s lead counsel, is taking swift action to move the case forward. “I will make a formal request for the preliminary autopsy report tomorrow (Wednesday). I have a confirmed meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Crime Chief, I am meeting them with the family,” he disclosed.

He criticised the lack of transparency and communication from the authorities handling the investigation. “I believe that, well, from the conduct from the Police Commissioner and the Crime Chief, they never held a press conference and they did not come out and speak. And I would think we owe the public an explanation for certain things. And there are things that I believe from the meeting I will be able to disclose. And so, I will be prepared to face the meeting and to speak. Because I don’t want to say that the police did not do X, Y, Z when in fact, we didn’t confirm that,” Dr. Todd said.

Concerns over police investigation

According to Dr. Todd, key questions remain unanswered regarding the scope and competency of the investigation. “The challenge here with this case is that the police force has not outrightly say who forms part of the investigative team. We don’t know what was done. A lot of things we are speculating,” he pointed out.

He added that part of his inquiry will focus on the forensic protocols used at the scene. “Did we have any forensic persons on the ground? Were they able to take any samples? Even though the place was destroyed by the fire, there are some things you can still get,” he explained.

Dr. Todd also emphasised the need for international collaboration if local authorities lack the tools or expertise. He said that if the police cannot gather samples and take evidence from them, they must invite experts who have the technology.  He said, “I don’t want to say that the police force has not reached out to anyone. It will be very ill-advised for me to say that. But these are questions, I believe that the family members have share, but no one has been able to say to them what is what.”

He stressed that because of police silence in the case, misinformation is being disseminated in the public. “Irrespective of us saying that an international body should come and investigate this matter, it doesn’t take away the fact that that we still have a Commissioner of Police, we still have a Crime Chief. And by law, those are the two people who must be able to give us answers in relation to this investigation, and I must hold them accountable,” Dr. Todd said firmly.

Possibility of second autopsy

There had been initial discussions about conducting a second autopsy by renowned Trinidadian pathologist Dr. Hubert Daisley. Although the family later decided against this, Dr. Todd revealed that the case is still open to further forensic scrutiny. “It is possible, and I can tell you, it looks as though we’re heading down the line of having some reviews of the autopsy,” he said. “There is a lot of discomfort. I am not placing any aspersions on those experts. As I said, there are some concerns that they raise, and we’re trying to see if we can get that. And from the review, if the recommendation is that should be done, then that will be definitely can be put forward to the authorities.”

Dr. Todd confirmed that his full assessment of the case will be completed by Thursday.

 

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