Guyana investigate exorcism death

Police in Guyana said today they are investigating the death of a 14-year-old girl who they believe was taken to church for an exorcism after she fell ill and was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Police Commander Colin West said the girl had complained of stomach pains earlier this week.

He said results from a preliminary autopsy were inconclusive and that no one has been charged.

Police in the South American country are still investigating what might have caused the death of Sangeeta Persaud.

A local newspaper quoted the girl’s grandmother as saying a pastor from a nearby church showed up to perform an exorcism last Sunday after the girl began shaking and throwing up.