PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The director of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), David West, has confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the fatal shooting death of Joshua Samaroo after a video circulated on social media showing that he had surrendered to the police with his hands up in the air.
The incident, which occurred on January 20 in St. Augustine along the east-west corridor, also resulted in Samaroo’s wife, Kala Sealy, being left paralysed.
“As with all matters of this nature, the investigation will be conducted independently and in accordance with the provisions of the Police Complaints Authority Act. The PCA takes this opportunity to reiterate that incidents such as these underscore the importance of the use of body-worn cameras by police officers,” West said in a statement.
“The Authority has consistently and vigorously advocated for the implementation of body-worn cameras as a measure to enhance accountability, transparency, and public confidence in policing.
“Members of the public who may have information relevant to this matter are encouraged to contact the Police Complaints Authority by email at info@pca.org.tt or by telephone at 226-4722. The PCA will provide further updates where appropriate and in accordance with the law,” West added.
The CCTV video, which emerged last Friday, captures the moments police officers opened fire on a car following a crash in Valsayn on Tuesday, killing Samaroo, 31, and leaving his common-law wife Kaia Sealy, 31, critically injured and paralysed.
Sealy, who was seated in the front passenger seat, was shot multiple times during the incident.
The footage was taken from a surveillance camera mounted at a Hindu temple opposite the scene. Last Tuesday, Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro, in a voice recording, described the incident as an “exchange of gunfire”:
He said officers of the North Central Division Task Force were “engaged in a high-risk vehicle pursuit when the car ran off the roadway…”
However, the video footage does not show a search for, or discovery of, a firearm in Samaroo’s possession, despite the top cop describing the incident as an “exchange” of gunfire.
“The occupants, instead of choosing to surrender, decided to challenge my officers. And, in accordance with the use-of-force policy, my officers responded likewise. After an exchange of gunfire, two individuals were found nursing gunshot injuries and were taken for medical treatment.
“One male (Samaroo) was later pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, while a female (Sealy) remains in critical condition under police guard. A firearm and ammunition were recovered at the scene, and the incident is now under active investigation by the relevant investigative units,” Guevaro added.
Last year, 68 people were killed in confrontations with members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), 14 more than the number killed in 2024. In 2023, police killed 45 people.
Head of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association, Assistant Superintendent of Police Ishmael Pitt, told the Express newspaper that there is a need for restraint and due process as investigations continue into Samaroo’s death.
“At this stage, the entire issue is very sensitive and is gathering public attention, as is consistent with incidents of this nature,” Pitt said, noting that police officers were often required to make “split decisions” in real time.
“We need to allow the investigative process to take its natural course to determine exactly what occurred and let the facts inform the decision-making process going forward,” he said.
Attorney Fayola Sandy, who represents the interests of Kaia Sealy, said her family has chosen not to engage the media at this time as they focus on her recovery.
“Her family is currently unwilling to engage the press as they are focused on providing a healing environment,” Sandy said, adding that she has viewed the CCTV footage now circulating publicly and that it appears consistent with the account previously given to her by Sealy.
“In my respectful view, the footage raises serious questions and appears inconsistent with aspects of statements being circulated publicly,” she said, adding that despite repeated efforts by Sealy’s legal team, police have not provided clear information regarding the legal basis of the operation.
“Notwithstanding repeated efforts by counsel to obtain lawful clarity, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has not provided clear particulars identifying the specific offence or offences alleged, nor any confirmation of an investigating officer formally assigned, save that a named officer is ‘expected to be appointed’,” Sandy said.
“In those circumstances, public statements being made by the TTPS at this stage are, at best, premature and risk undermining public confidence in the transparency and accountability required in a matter of this gravity.”
Sandy said she would not comment further on the detailed evidence at this stage.
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