DPP orders inquest into death of Adriana Younge

Apr 15, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – Almost a year since the body of 11-year-old Adriana Sueria Younge was discovered in the pool of a hotel on the East Bank Essequibo, an inquest into her death has been ordered by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C.

The circumstances surrounding Younge’s death have left many with unanswered questions. Younge who resided at Hyde Park, Parika, died in April 2025 under circumstances that continue to trouble both her family and the wider public. The young girl was reported missing on April 23, 2025, during a family outing at the Double Day International Hotel and Bar in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo.

Adriana Younge

An inquest is a public inquiry aimed at determining the facts related to a death, including the identity of the deceased, the cause of death, and the circumstances surrounding it. The inquest will be conducted by a Magistrate in the division where the incident occurred. The inquest will be held under the Coroner’s Act, allowing the Magistrate to call witnesses and examine evidence to ascertain the cause of death.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a statement on Tuesday evening confirmed the directions received from the DPP’s office and noted that it is taking the necessary steps in keeping with the legal process. “The Guyana Police Force also recognises the importance of public confidence in matters of this nature and remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, accountability and integrity in the execution of its duties,” it was stated. Police said further information will be provided as appropriate.

This update follows recent criticism from Adriana’s family lawyer Dr. Dexter Todd, who expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the case, noting that despite the length of time that has passed; the investigation had not been completed. According to reports, Younge was seen at approximately 13:01hrs on the day she disappeared. Her grandmother had reportedly observed her swimming in the hotel’s pool shortly before she went missing.

Despite immediate concern and searches, Adriana was not found until the following day—nearly 20 hours later—when her body was discovered in the same swimming pool. Reports indicated that her body was found in an upright position, raising serious concerns, particularly since the pool had reportedly been searched earlier.

A post-mortem examination conducted on April 28, 2025, by international pathologists determined that Adriana died as a result of drowning. However, the unusual circumstances surrounding the discovery of her body, combined with unanswered questions about the initial investigation, fuelled widespread public skepticism and outrage.

The case had since drawn both national and international attention, with many questioning the handling of the investigation by the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

In July 2025, the GPF had stated that its investigation was complete and that the case file had been submitted to the DPP. That file included a report prepared by retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer Leonard McCoshen, who had been brought in by the government to assist with the probe and spent several days in Guyana before presenting his findings. In a later update, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum indicated that the investigation remains active. He had revealed that in the interest of transparency, the police had shared Adriana Younge’s autopsy report with the family’s attorney—an action he noted was contrary to standard operating procedures.

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Adriana Younge, death, Double Day International Hotel, DPP

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