Kaieteur News Reports : Dr. Dexter Todd, the attorney representing the family of 11-year-old Adriana Younge, has revealed new information that contradicts previous statements from police officials regarding the surveillance cameras at the Double Day International Hotel. These cameras were reportedly active at the time the young girl was reported missing, challenging claims that they were not operational.
During a press conference on Thursday, Dr. Todd stated that his private investigation team, established from the outset of the case, received eyewitness accounts confirming that the hotel’s surveillance system was functioning on the day Adriana disappeared. “We want to put this on record; we are aware that the cameras at that hotel were active,” Todd asserted.
This revelation stands in stark contrast to remarks made by Crime Chief and Deputy Commissioner of Police Wendell Blanhum. On May 12, 2025, Blanhum stated at the Association of Caribbean Police Commissioners (ACCP) Annual General Meeting that the cameras covering the pool area were not working at the time of the incident. Blanhum cited a review by forensic video analysts, who confirmed the malfunction, and noted that investigators were informed the camera had been out of order for a week prior to Adriana’s disappearance.
Dr. Todd, however, has challenged this narrative, asserting that witnesses observed police removing multiple DVR units from the hotel. “We are aware of the amount of DVRs that were handed over to the police that were retrieved from the hotel. There are witnesses who saw that the police removed DVRs from the building,” he said, indicating discrepancies in the police’s account.
In an earlier interview, Dr. Todd disclosed that a private international investigative team, led by a digital forensic expert from the UK, is currently reviewing the circumstances surrounding Adriana’s death. This team is analyzing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with persons of interest to conduct an independent investigation. Dr. Todd emphasized that they are not interfering with the official investigation but are focused on gathering evidence to verify the police’s narrative.
Dr. Todd expressed growing concern over the police investigation’s direction, highlighting that several critical questions remain unanswered. He noted that many individuals captured on video footage from the time of Adriana’s disappearance have not been interviewed by law enforcement, raising concerns about the thoroughness of the investigation.
He also questioned the integrity of the police’s investigation report, which reportedly spans over 400 pages. “The key person, the one who initiated the report of this young girl being missing, was never interviewed by them,” he stated, pointing to potential gaps in the inquiry.
Additionally, forensic pathologist Dr. Terry has raised questions regarding the investigation and the toxicology report. Dr. Todd expressed skepticism about the police’s willingness to cooperate with Dr. Terry. “If the police were interested in cooperating, their posture and response to our legal team would have been quite different,” he remarked.
Dr. Terry has requested access to photos and videos of the pool area to determine if any hazards existed that could have trapped Adriana. She also questioned the source of the water sample used for the toxicology examination, emphasizing the need for clarity as the pool was empty during the autopsy.
Adriana Younge was reported missing during a family trip to Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, and her body was discovered in the swimming pool of the Double Day International Hotel just 20 hours after her disappearance. A post-mortem examination conducted by a team of international experts concluded that the cause of death was drowning.
As investigations continue, Dr. Todd and the family remain determined to seek answers and ensure accountability in this tragic case.
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