“He never fired at officers”: Widow’s statement challenges police version of deadly shooting— confirms he fled from police in Maloney

The widow of Joshua Samaroo has publicly rejected the official version of events surrounding the police operation that ended his life, insisting that her husband was not armed and did not pose a threat at the time he was shot.
In a detailed statement provided to investigators, Kaia Sealy described the moments leading up to the incident and said her recollection sharply contradicts the narrative previously outlined by law enforcement.
Sealy explained that on the day of the shooting, she and Samaroo had left home to run errands before a scheduled school pickup. According to her account, Samaroo mentioned needing to make a brief stop in the Maloney area but did not provide a specific reason.
While they were there, she said a young man approached their vehicle and attempted to speak with Samaroo, but the interaction was brief and appeared insignificant.
She stated that shortly afterward, a marked police vehicle approached, and an officer exited with his firearm drawn.
Alarmed by the sudden escalation, Samaroo reportedly began reversing the car. Sealy maintains that at no point did she see her husband in possession of any weapon, nor did she hear any instructions clearly issued before officers began pursuing them.
During the pursuit, she said their vehicle eventually came to a stop after losing control. Sealy recalled that Samaroo complied by raising his hands, telling her words to the effect of “okay,” as officers surrounded the car. She reported that gunfire erupted moments later.
That part in her statement aligns with footage later made public by I.A.N News on January 24th, which triggered widespread outrage. The CCTV recording, which circulated heavily on social media, show Samaroo with his hands raised in the air outside the vehicle before officers opened fire. At least 25 shots were discharged by police.
Sealy described being struck by gunfire herself and said she sustained serious injuries. Despite the chaos, she recalled hearing officers shouting commands and moving toward the vehicle after the shooting ended. She said she was removed from the car and transported for medical treatment while her husband was placed into a police vehicle.
While hospitalised, Sealy said she overheard officers discussing a “shoot-out,” a description she firmly disputes. She insists there was no exchange of gunfire from Samaroo and that he never possessed a firearm at any point during their relationship.
The aftermath of the incident left Sealy with life-altering injuries. She stated that she remained under police guard for a period following surgery and was only briefly allowed visits from relatives. She added that she continues to undergo treatment and rehabilitation as a result of the wounds she sustained.
Attorneys representing Samaroo’s family have since pushed for greater disclosure from investigators, including access to radio transmissions, operational directives, and other communications that could clarify the sequence of decisions made during the pursuit and shooting.
The case has drawn national attention, with the newly surfaced video evidence intensifying public calls for transparency, accountability, and an independent review of the circumstances that led to Samaroo’s death.
Investigations remain ongoing by the Police Complaints Authority, Professional Standards Bureau and the North Central Division as authorities seek to reconcile conflicting accounts from officers involved and civilian witnesses present at the scene.— With reporting by Mark Bassant, Trinidad Express

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