The investigation into the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge remains open and active, according to Crime Chief and Deputy Commissioner of Police Wendell Blanhum. Over two months after the child’s body was discovered, public pressure and family outrage continue to mount amid concerns of missteps and misinformation by the authorities.
Adriana’s body was found on April 24, 2025, in a swimming pool at the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, just one day after she went missing. Initially, police told the family that the child had been seen leaving the premises in a red car—information later revealed to be false. That version of events was eventually withdrawn by investigators, deepening public distrust and sparking widespread protests.
A post-mortem examination concluded that Adriana died by drowning, but her family has rejected the findings and demanded an independent investigation. Their calls included a formal request for the Government to seek the involvement of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). In response, the Guyana Police Force flew in retired Canadian investigator Leonard McChosen in May to assist, though the family also rejected his involvement.
Appearing on the government’s “Safeguarding the Nation” broadcast, Blanhum acknowledged the case has been fraught with public speculation and what he described as “sinister motives” that have hijacked legitimate concerns. “The case of Adriana Younge is still listed as an active investigation. Detectives were advised to continue further investigations, and on completion, the file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice,” he said.
Blanhum also addressed claims that the police withheld the autopsy findings. “On June 16, in the interest of transparency, the Guyana Police Force shared the post-mortem report with the family’s attorney,” he stated. “It was later disappointing to hear media reports suggesting otherwise. That claim is inaccurate.”
He confirmed that the former Region 3 Police Commander and several ranks who responded in the early stages of the case remain on leave pending further developments.
Adriana’s death triggered national outrage, with protestors demanding justice and transparency. Following the initial autopsy in Guyana, the family sent the child’s remains to the United States for an independent examination before returning her home for burial two weeks ago.
With scrutiny intensifying and public trust at stake, the Guyana Police Force has promised full transparency as it continues efforts to uncover the truth behind Adriana Younge’s death.
