Senior Reporter
sascha.wilson@guardian.co.tt
Despite the challenges she faced, 13-year-old Mariah Seenath was determined to achieve her goals, and those who knew her believed she was destined for success.
But those dreams were cut short when she was attacked and killed just a short distance from her home in Friendship Village, San Fernando.
One year later, her family and friends are still waiting for justice.
Yesterday, homicide detectives confirmed there has been no new information and no arrests in connection with her death.
Seenath, a former student of San Fernando East Secondary, was found dead by a resident on September 20, 2025, in bushes off a track near the recreation ground in the neighbourhood.
Seenath and her three siblings often used the track as a shortcut between their home and their grandmother’s house.
An autopsy confirmed that she died from blunt force trauma to the head. The examination also revealed signs of strangulation, bruises and a broken nose.
To mark the first anniversary of her death on Sunday, social activist Kevin Lalchan organised a memorial service and candlelight vigil in Friendship Village.
Relatives and friends used the platform to renew their calls for justice.
Speaking at their home yesterday, Seenath’s father, Marlon Seenath, became teary-eyed as he spoke about the void left by his daughter’s death.
“I wish somebody could hear my cry. It is hurt me plenty because it make it a year and me ain’t get justice for my daughter. I miss my daughter every day goes by,” he lamented.
He insisted that police had been given information which could lead to the arrest of a suspect.
“A year, it has been a year now, and no closure, no, no justice. It have the evidence outside there that everybody know who it is and the law not doing the, what they’re supposed to do in detaining him and questioning him why he kill my daughter.”
He added that his pain was compounded by allegations made on social media that he and his son were responsible for Seenath’s death.
He questioned why no one has been arrested.
“I was wondering if they just sweep my daughter death under the carpet.”
On the brink of tears, he recalled the close bond he shared with his daughter.
“She was everything to me, my hand and foot. When I sick, she going and do everything for she father. ‘Daddy, you want this? Daddy, you want that.’ “Sometimes when I can’t do nothing, she used to help me clean.”
He claimed that he longer felt safe living in the neighbourhood.
“All I really pleading is that I get justice for my daughter. And also, if I could get a little assistance with electricity or wire or with a house. If any higher authorities could hear my cry because my two children ain’t safe in the back here. If it was me alone, no problem. I have my two girl children; I don’t want to lose no more.”
He also has a son who was incarcerated earlier this year for murder.
Speaking at the memorial service on Sunday, another relative, who requested anonymity, said it was difficult for the family as painful memories resurfaced.
“It was a very emotional day for us because you know, everything just coming back, the events. We felt like it happened yesterday, the same spear that was pierced through our heart exactly a year now. All the memories, everything just keep coming back.”
She said the family had also faced hurtful comments and threats on social media after speaking publicly about Seenath’s death.
“That person who just took her took, took a part of us, and every day goes by, it hurts all of us.” She added: “We just want justice for Mariah.”
Lalchan, who also held a candlelight vigil for Seenath last October, said he became involved because he felt she had been forgotten.
“I find it was fitting to do this because it’s officially a year since Mariah was murdered and no justice has been served as yet. Nothing, and it’s like the case get cold. So that’s what really made me decide to hold a one-year memorial.”
He renewed his call for those responsible to be brought before the courts.
Meanwhile, San Fernando East Secondary paid tribute to Seenath in a Facebook post, describing her as a “young warrior.”
The school said she was “more than just a student or an athlete” and remembered her as a vibrant part of the school community, whether on the football field, performing on the stage with drama club, or showing kindness in everyday interactions.
“She left a mark on everyone she met.”
