Latest update March 13th, 2026 12:35 AM
Probe deepens into death of teen mom
…father charged for allegedly raping her, DNA test ordered to determine child’s father
Dead; Aleena Preetam
(Kaieteur News) – The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security on Thursday said investigations suggest that the father of 14-year-old Aleena Preetam’s baby girl may be a teenage boy under the age of 18.
In a statement, the ministry said that through its Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), an in-depth investigation was conducted following Pretam’s death between February 22 to February 23, 2026, weeks after giving birth. DNA tests have been scheduled to assist with the determination of paternity. It was also disclosed that the baby has been placed into the foster care system.
“CPA is following up with the Guyana Police Force and Office of Director of Public Prosecution on next steps,” the ministry stated. The ministry stated that CPA was made aware of Preetam’s pregnancy in September 2025, where a Forensic Interview was conducted with Aleena at Blossom Inc. during which she made certain statements. “She received medical care at the regional hospital. A referral was submitted to Blossom Inc. requesting victim support, court preparation support and trauma focused counseling,” the ministry said.
Further, the ministry revealed that back in 2024, the teen was the subject of a previous intervention by the CPA following reports that she was allegedly being physically, verbally, and sexually abused by her father. The ministry said the girl was removed from her parents’ home in Region 2 and placed in the temporary care of her older sister in Region 3. The matter was reported to the Guyana Police Force and following investigations, the father was charged.
On November 11, 2024, the matter was heard at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court and the father was remanded to prison. According to the ministry, on December 6, 2024, upon the application of Preetam’s mother, the Essequibo High Court granted bail to the father in the sum of $350,000. The High Court Order stipulated that the accused and anyone on his behalf, including the applicant mother, should not make any contact whatsoever with the teen or go within 100 feet of her. It was further ordered that Preetam should remain in the care and control of her elder sister in Region 3 or with any other person that the CPA so directs. This matter is still pending.
In late February a post mortem examination carried out on the body Preetam determined that her cause of death was heart failure and anaemia. Preliminary enquiries revealed that the teen, who resided with her parents and her one-month-old child, was last seen alive on Sunday evening, February 22. On Monday morning family members attempted to wake her but found her unresponsive. She was escorted to the Suddie Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Preetam’s body was examined and no marks of violence were observed. Kaieteur News had reported that the teen was found unresponsive in her bedroom after her baby was heard crying for a prolonged period. Concerned relatives went to check on the infant and found Preetam motionless on her bed.
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