BARTICA UNITED YOUTH DEVELOPMENT GROUP CALLS FOR FULL CRIMINAL & FORENSIC INVESTIGATION INTO DEATH OF ALTHEA “STACY” WALTON

The Bartica United Youth Development Group (BUYDG) has issued an urgent public call for a full post-mortem, forensic reconstruction, and criminal investigation into the suspicious and deeply troubling death of Ms. Althea “Stacy” Walton, a 22-year-old mother from Alexander Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Stacy tragically lost her life in the early morning hours of June 21, 2025, when her body was reportedly found in a vehicle (PAG 2279) that had gone into a trench at Number 7 Village, East Coast Berbice. Police have hastily classified the incident as an accidental drowning. However, the family and community raise serious questions about this version of events alleging that evidence has been tampered with, investigative procedures were ignored, and a cover-up is underway.

Key Findings and Concerns:

1. Suspicious Circumstances at the Scene:

• No visible tire marks, skid impressions, or signs of a high-speed or out-of-control vehicle.

• The car was found positioned in an unusually neat manner at the edge of the trench not consistent with a crash caused by speed or loss of control.

• Why didn’t the vehicle go deeper into the canal if it was speeding? What stopped it so precisely at the edge?

2. Tampering with Evidence:

• Rather than being secured by police, the vehicle was taken to the home of Mr. Alfred De Jonge (the deceased’s boyfriend and person of interest) and washed an act that could have destroyed critical forensic evidence including blood, fibers, fingerprints, and DNA.

3. Missing Phone and Digital Evidence:

• Stacy’s cell phone, last seen in her possession, has disappeared.

• Police have not attempted to retrieve or examine phone records, messages, GPS data, or social media activity.

4. Rushed, Incomplete Post-Mortem:

• Stacy’s body was released for burial just hours after her death.

• There was no toxicology screening, no trauma analysis, and no independent forensic autopsy conducted.

• The family was not consulted or briefed about the medical findings.

5. Questionable Behavior by Person of Interest:

• Mr. Alfred De Jonge, who reportedly found her body, has a criminal record, including a 2017 charge for attempted murder.

• He gave conflicting and suspicious accounts of what happened, claiming she was intoxicated and fell several times while he was “trying to help her.”

• Despite not being a police officer or medical professional, he has been the main and only source of information about the incident.

6. Documented Domestic Abuse History:

• Stacy had recently left the relationship, reportedly due to manipulation and control.

• She had been living with a friend and confided in family about abuse and infidelity by Mr. De Jonge.

7. Lack of Transparency and Police Accountability:

• The family made repeated attempts to contact police, including the Regional Traffic Chief, but received no cooperation.

• No proper scene reconstruction, no trauma assessment, and no official communication from investigators.

• Evidence suggests potential collusion between the suspect and law enforcement.

CALL TO ACTION: INVESTIGATE THE INVESTIGATORS

Given the overwhelming signs of negligence and potential corruption, the Bartica United Youth Development Group demands:

1. A full, independent investigation into the conduct of all police officers who handled this case.

2. Suspension and criminal charges, if applicable, against any officer who attempted to obstruct justice, tamper with evidence, or collude with the suspect.

3. Immediate reclassification of this case as a potential homicide.

4. A full forensic autopsy and toxicology report conducted by an independent pathologist.

5. Oversight by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Crime Chief, and international human rights observers.

A NATION WATCHING – AND A FAMILY DEMANDING JUSTICE

This case has shocked the community in New Amsterdam, Canje, and across Guyana. Protest action is being considered as frustration grows, but the BUYDG is first calling on national and international institutions to uphold justice and due process.

“Stacy was more than a statistic. She was a sister, a mother, a citizen of this country. We will not allow her death to be brushed aside or buried under silence.”

Yours truly

Kellion Leps, General President (Ag.) of BUYDG and sister of the deceased