Former Region 3 Commander sent on leave, hotel owner questioned as probe into Adriana Younge’s death continues

Last Updated on Saturday, 3 May 2025, 12:26 by Writer

Embattled former Region Three (West Demerara-Essequibo Islands) Commander, Assistant Police Commissioner Khalid Mandall has been sent on leave, and three other members of the police force have been placed under close arrest as part of investigations into the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge.

Younge’s body was discovered in the pool at the Double Day Hotel on Thursday, one day after the Guyana Police Force (GPF) reported that she had been seen leaving in an identifiable vehicle.

Police said Mr Mandall was sent on “administrative leave to facilitate the investigation” in keeping with the GPF’s Standard Operating Procedure.

This move follows his removal as Region Three Commander and transfer to a sub-division of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). The police force said its ranks of Regional Division #3 were also questioned.

Police said they have also questioned the proprietor of Double Day Hotel and Bar and all employees who were present at the establishment on the day of the incident.

Police said at this juncture, the investigators are still interviewing persons who can assist with the investigations.

According to the law enforcement agency, the family of Adriana has identified a pathologist of their choice, who is expected to arrive in Guyana on Sunday, April 27, to perform the postmortem examination with the GPF’s independent pathologist.

“The post-mortem examination is a critical aspect of the investigation to confirm the cause of death of Adriana Younge,” police added.

In addition to the burning down of the Double Day Hotel and a house belonging to the owner, several vehicles were also destroyed by fire. Looters stole mattresses, a generator, beverages, furniture and other valuables.

Overnight, police dispersed protesters off the West Coast Demerara Public Road in the vicinity of the Leonora Police Station, which is the Region Three Divisional headquarters, and nearby Stewartville.

Police remained silent about that action, though a number of persons claimed on social media that they were arrested.