THE police are investigating the alleged murder of Rianna Ambrose, a four-year-old girl from Karaudarnau Village, in the South Rupununi. The prime suspect is her mother, Lucinda Stephen, a 24-year-old housewife.

A police report indicated that the incident occurred at about 01:00hrs on Thursday at Karaudarnau Village.

Based on initial investigations, at about 20:00hrs on Wednesday, Stephen and her reputed husband Regan Ambrose were consuming alcohol at their home in Karaudarnau Village.

Several hours later, an argument between them escalated into a scuffle. As a result, Ambrose went to the home of his reputed wife’s sister, Joyce Stephen, where he related the details of the fight.

It is alleged that Joyce gave Ambrose a hammock to sleep in and at around 03:00hrs on Thursday, Joyce reportedly went over to her sister’s home where she met her hitting the four-year-old (Rianna Ambrose) five times to the head with a piece of wood, causing her to receive multiple injuries to the head.

The child was rushed to Aishalton District Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The alleged suspect was arrested and is presently in custody at Aishalton Police Station pending investigation.

According to the police, the wood that was allegedly used to commit the act was also recovered at the scene.