The family of 32-year-old Selvin Sealy Jr is demanding answers after he died in police custody early Monday morning in San Pedro. His death has left relatives in shock and mourning, particularly his father, who is calling for clarity and justice.
According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, Sealy was acting erratically near Villa Abrazos around 6:30 a.m., allegedly climbing a tree after claiming he was being chased by a dog. Police reportedly instructed him to come down, and after a confrontation, used force to subdue him. He was then taken to the police station, where officers observed that he was unresponsive. Sealy was rushed to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where he was later pronounced dead.
Sealy’s father spoke emotionally about receiving the devastating news. “I’m heartbroken about my son, and I don’t wish this on anyone; it’s a really rough feeling,” he said. “Even right now, I get emotional.”
He recounted, “The call came to my house about 7:30, somewhere around there… I was getting ready to go out, and then I heard that my son was critical at the polyclinic in San Pedro. So I got the news, and I got ready, and I went there directly.”
“In all the chaos and all the situations, I saw my son lying dead on the table, and it was a really heartfelt emotion for me,” he said.
The father says police informed him that his son had been at a private rental property when security called law enforcement. “I don’t know what transpired from there. They do have videos which I would like to see and get for my personal satisfaction.”
He continued, “Something happened when the police picked him up… That part, I would really like a clarification.”
Reports suggest Sealy may have been handcuffed and taken to the station after being subdued. His father insists his son appeared well earlier that morning. “My other son saw him at 6:30, passing by the boats on the beach,” he said.
“I just want justice. I’m not pinpointing fingers, but my son died,” the grieving father stated.