Post-Mortem Confirms Selvin Sealy Died from Restraint Asphyxia; Officers Suspended

A post-mortem has confirmed that thirty-year-old Selvin Sealy, who was arrested last week for trespassing, died from restraint asphyxia—a condition where a person suffocates because their body position during restraint prevents them from breathing properly. Police say Sealy was subdued after resisting arrest. While in custody, officers noticed he had become unresponsive and rushed him to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where he was pronounced dead. His death has since been ruled a homicide. The officers involved have been suspended following an order from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith says the investigation is ongoing and more details will be released soon.

 

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“As it relates to an update for the Selvin Sealy homicide, he post-mortem was conducted on Friday whereby the results of that examination concluded that because of date was restrained asphyxia. As it relates to police’s action, the DPP has directed that statement, a statement be recorded from the pathologist and that will determine the next course of actions. Similarly, the police department has been doing their parallel investigation, which included the immediate suspension of the persons who are suspected to be a part of this incident.”

 

Britney Gordon

“So now that you know more details have come to light regarding the incident, can we have a clear timeline of the incident from when Sealy was arrested to his death- what occurred in between that time?”

 

Stacy Smith

“As the investigation continues, we will disclose more information as it becomes necessary to disclose.”

 

This concerning update has fueled Sealy’s grieving family’s demands for accountability and justice.