Police at No. 51 Police Station have launched an investigation into a fatal accident that claimed the life of 16-year-old Justin Smith, a school dropout of Lot 31, No. 47 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. The incident occurred between 22:00 hrs and 23:50 hrs on July 13, 2025, at No. 43 Village, Corentyne.
Initial information received from the teen’s mother, Anita Seenauth, a 50-year-old vendor of Lot 21, No. 47 Village, indicated that around 22:30 hrs on the night of the incident, she received a telephone call from her daughter, 23-year-old Anushika Singh, informing her that Justin had fallen off a motorcycle and was in critical condition on the No. 46 Public Road.
Further investigations conducted on July 14 between 09:30 and 13:20 hrs at No. 46 Village revealed that Justin was seen consuming alcoholic beverages at a Chinese supermarket in No. 47 Village. CCTV footage showed him subsequently riding off alone on a motorcycle. While attempting to overtake another vehicle, he reportedly lost control and veered onto the southern grass parapet, crashing into a parked red row plow.
Examination of the plow showed signs of impact, including scratches, fabric remnants, sponge believed to be from the motorcycle seat, leather, and a black wristband.
Later that day, between 17:00 and 17:45 hrs, 23-year-old Mukesh Edwards was interviewed at Springlands Police Station. He told police that he, along with Hemesh Harrinarine, also known as Andy, and Alim Haripersaud, were drinking when Justin approached on his motorcycle. He claimed that Andy raised his hand in a jesting manner, seemingly provoking the incident.
Harrinarine admitted to being present at the time and said he heard the crash and saw Justin collide with the plow. However, he denied making any provoking gestures, saying he left to seek help and returned to find others already assisting.
A confrontation was later held at 20:33 hrs between Edwards and Harrinarine, during which Edwards maintained his version of events, while Harrinarine denied any aggressive gesture.
A post-mortem examination was conducted on July 17, between 07:30 and 08:20 hrs, by Dr. V. Brijmohan at Bailey’s Funeral Home. The body, positively identified by the deceased’s stepfather, Norman Anthony Broomes, was examined in the presence of police.
The cause of death was given as shock and hemorrhage due to multiple injuries, consistent with a vehicular accident. The body was subsequently handed over to the family for burial.
An investigative file was compiled and submitted for legal advice. On Friday, July 18, 2025, the file was returned with instructions for an inquest to be carried out in relation to the death of Justin Smith.
