Adrianna Younge tragedy: Contractor sues state for $100M after wrongful arrest

Deon Mario Jeffrey, a resident of Recht door Zee in Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara, has filed a Fixed Date Application in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana, seeking over $100 million in damages from the state, following his wrongful arrest and detention in connection with the temporary disappearance of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge.The case, filed against the Attorney General of Guyana, outlines a series of events, beginning on April 23, 2025, when Younge was reported missing from the now gutted Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. The Guyana Police Force had initially issued a press release stating that the child had left the hotel in a red Toyota Raum bearing registration number PSS 4684. That vehicle had been rented, and was in the possession of Jeffrey at the time.According to court documents and Jeffrey’s sworn affidavit, he was stopped by police on April 24 at approximately 6:15a.m. at the Demerara Harbour Bridge, arrested without explanation, and held at the La Grange Police Station until 18:30 hrs. The police later retracted their public statement, and admitted that the original release was made “in error.”Younge’s body was found dead in the pool of the Double Day Hotel on the morning of April 24 – almost 24 hours after she had been reported missing from the facility. The discovery of her body sparked countrywide concern, since there were reports that the pool had previously been searched and there was no sign of the child’s body.Jeffrey, who has no prior criminal record, said the incident has had severe repercussions on his professional life. He lost two construction contracts —one for $500,000 to embank a drainage system and build a bridge at La Parfaite Harmonie, and another for $275,000 for ceiling work at Schoonord. Clients reportedly backed out due to concerns raised by media coverage of his alleged involvement.In his application, Jeffrey claims his constitutional rights had been violated, specifically Article 139 – Right to liberty, Article 148 – Right to freedom of movement, and Article 149(D) – Right to equal protection of the law.The legal proceedings, led by Attorney-at-Law Darren Wade, seeks formal declarations of constitutional breaches, compensation for wrongful detention, exemplary and aggravated damages, and any additional relief the court deems appropriate.The application has been formally served on the Attorney General’s office. A court date is expected to be set soon.