Palo Seco Man In Custody Following Discovery of Missing 12-Year-Old Girl In Erin

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A 26-year-old man is currently in Police custody as investigators continue enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the death of 12-year-old Mercedez Layne of Los Iros, Erin, whose body was discovered earlier today (Sunday 7th June, 2026), hours after she was reported missing.

In a Media Release this evening, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said Mercedez was reported missing at approximately 4:00 PM on Saturday (6th June, 2026) by her grandfather, of Lorensotte North Trace, Rancho Quemado.

According to the report, around 11:30 AM on the same date, the grandfather placed his granddaughter, who had spent the previous night at his residence, into a vehicle, intended to transport the child to her home at Los Iros Beach Road, Erin. However, information later received indicated that Mercedez never arrived at her destination. The girl’s mother subsequently went to the Erin Police Station along with the child’s grandfather, and a missing person investigation was immediately launched.

Investigators, led by Sgt. Jaglal, conducted extensive enquiries throughout the night. Acting on information received and after reviewing CCTV footage, Officers identified the vehicle in which the child had last been seen travelling. At approximately 1:00 AM this morning (Sunday 7th June, 2026), the vehicle was located abandoned along Beach Road, Palo Seco. It was photographed, processed and conveyed to the Erin Police Station as part of the ongoing investigation.

At approximately 6:43 AM, an employee of an oil company went to inspect a well along Carapal Road, Erin. While traversing the roadway, he discovered the body of a young female lying face-down along the well access road.

A report was immediately made to the Erin Police Station, and first responders proceeded to the scene, where the body was subsequently identified as that of the missing child.

Senior Officers and investigators, including personnel of the Homicide Bureau of Investigations (HBI), responded to the scene and commenced extensive forensic and investigative enquiries.

As investigations progressed, Officers detained a 26-year-old Palo Seco man in connection with the matter. He remains in Police custody as enquiries continue.

The TTPS said it “extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mercedez Layne during this extremely difficult time.”

Investigations are continuing. 

More on this as it becomes available.
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