Expert pathologists rule out theory that Adrianna was killed then dumped in pool

Pathologists involved in the autopsy of Adrianna Younge, the 11-year-old girl who died last Wednesday, have ruled out that she died by forced drowning, or that she was possibly killed and her body then thrown into water.

The findings were disclosed during a press conference on Monday evening at State House by President Dr Irfaan Ali and Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony. The announcement followed a detailed post-mortem examination conducted by the independent experts earlier in the day. They experts wanted to brief the media but were unable to do so because of a tense standoff between the Police and people.

The President said, “The relatives were also informed that the pathologists ruled out theories of forcible drowning or any other means of killing, followed by the disposal of the body in water.”

The autopsy was performed by Dr Glenn A. Rudner of Mount Sinai Hospital, New York; Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul, a government-appointed pathologist from Barbados; and Dr Gary L. Collins, Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Delaware, who was chosen by Adrianna’s family.

President Ali revealed that the autopsy began around 13:20 hrs and was carried out with the aim of identifying any signs of trauma, injuries, or sexual violence, as well as collecting forensic samples and determining the cause of death. The procedure was thoroughly documented via photographs and video.

In their preliminary findings, the pathologists confirmed that there were no signs of trauma or sexual assault. They also could not find any fractures or broken bones. The experts said the markings observed on her skin were consistent with death by drowning and there was no evidence to suggest drowning by force.

The experts, however, were unable to establish an exact time of death as the body was in a state of advanced decomposition.

Toxicology tests are still pending and will form part of the final report.