Adriana Younge’s family seeks controversial TT pathologist after rejecting findings of 3 int’l pathologists

The family of 11-year-old Adriana Younge, who was found dead in a hotel pool on April 24, is seeking another autopsy, expressing dissatisfaction with the conclusions of the postmortem examination that determined she died by drowning.

Three esteemed pathologists conducted the forensic autopsy on Adriana’s body: Dr. Glenn A. Rudner from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, Dr. Gary L. Collins, Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Delaware, and Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul, appointed by the Barbadian government. Dr Collins, was selected by the Younge family. All three concluded that Adriana’s death was consistent with drowning, citing medical evidence such as fluid in the lungs and the absence of trauma or foul play.

Despite these findings, opposition members, particularly from the Alliance for Change (AFC) party, have questioned the credibility and impartiality of the State-led investigation. They are now stating that the government’s handling of the case lacks transparency and have called for further scrutiny.

Adriana’s mother, Ameica Simon, and their attorney, Darren Wade, have formally requested another autopsy, potentially to be conducted by Dr. Hubert Daisley, a Trinidadian pathologist.

Dr. Daisley previously reversed his own autopsy conclusions in the high-profile 2013 case of Trinidadian soldier Lance Corporal Curtis Marshall, initially ruling the death a homicide before later stating it was due to an asthma attack. This reversal sparked public outrage and raised concerns about the reliability of his assessments.

In 2012, Dr Daisley was brought into Guyana, by Hughes, who was representing the interests of the families of three Linden men who were fatally shot by police. He was here to witness the autopsy of three men. Critics argue that seeking another autopsy may be an attempt to obtain a conclusion that aligns with the certain beliefs, rather than accepting the consistent findings of the previous examinations.

Additionally, repeated postmortem examinations can deteriorate the quality of the body, potentially compromising further forensic analyses.

At least one local attorney has been vocal on the issue, raising concerns about the chain of custody regarding Adriana’s remains.

This entire controversy has led to public unrest, with protests erupting across Georgetown and other parts of the country.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has promised a thorough review of the events leading to Adriana’s death and urged the public to remain calm.