The brutal murder of 12-year-old Mercedez Layne of Los Iros, Erin, has sent shockwaves through Trinidad and Tobago, prompting calls for justice and renewed focus on child protection measures.

Mercedez's body was discovered shortly after 6.40 a.m. on Sunday near an oil well along Carapal Road, Erin, hours after she had been reported missing.

According to police, a worker employed with Trinity Exploration and Production Services was on his way to conduct maintenance at Well ER-46 when he discovered the child's motionless body lying on the ground. He reported the find to the Erin Police Station.