AN inquest has been ordered into the death of 16-year-old Justin Smith, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle crash on the night of July 13, 2025, at No. 43 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.
Police investigations revealed that the fatal incident occurred between 22:00hrs and 23:50hrs. The teenager, described as a Guyanese of East Indian descent and a school dropout from Lot 31, No. 47 Village, was reportedly consuming alcohol prior to the incident.

Initial information was provided by his mother, 50-year-old vendor Anita Seenauth, who resides at Lot 21, No. 47 Village. She told police that at around 22:30hrs on the night of the crash, she received a call from her daughter, 23-year-old Anushika Singh, informing her that Justin had fallen off his motorcycle and was in critical condition on the No. 46 Public Road.

Subsequent investigations, conducted on July 14, between 09:30hrs and 13:20hrs, revealed that Smith had been drinking at a Chinese supermarket in No. 47 Village. CCTV footage later showed him riding off alone and at high speed. He attempted to overtake a motor vehicle before losing control and crashing into a red row plough parked on the southern parapet.
The police observed the row plough had sustained scratches and was marked with fragments consistent with the crash, including sponge material, fabric, leather, and a black wristband believed to be from the deceased or his motorcycle.

Investigators also interviewed Mukesh Edwards, 23, who disclosed that he was drinking nearby with two others—Hemesh Harrinarine, also known as Andy, and Alim Haripersaud—when Justin arrived on his motorcycle. Edwards claimed Harrinarine had raised his hand in a gesture moments before the crash.

Harrinarine, in his statement, admitted he was present and heard the collision but denied any provocative actions. He claimed he went for help and returned to find others assisting the injured teen.

A confrontation between Edwards and Harrinarine was held at 20:33hrs on the same day. Edwards maintained his version of events, while Harrinarine denied making any gestures that could have contributed to the accident.

On July 17, a post-mortem examination was conducted at Bailey’s Funeral Home by Dr. V. Brijmohan, with the police present. The deceased was positively identified by his stepfather, Norman Anthony Broomes, 40. The cause of death was given as shock and haemorrhage due to multiple injuries consistent with a vehicular accident.
Following a review of the investigative file, legal advice was sought.

On Friday, July 18, 2025, the file was returned with instructions for an inquest to be conducted into the circumstances surrounding the death of Justin Smith.