Sean Daniel
50 years old · Yonkers, New York · April 7, 2026
Who he was
Sean Daniel was 50 years old and lived in Yonkers, New York. His sister Sherria Daniel described him as one of the healthiest and strongest people she knew. He was loved by his family, who have fought publicly for answers since his death. "They killed the wrong one because we're not being quiet about it," Sherria said. "We're going to demand justice, and we're actually not going to stop."
What happened
On April 7, 2026, at approximately 7:15 p.m., Yonkers Police received a 911 call reporting a man attacking multiple people with a knife inside an apartment at 165 Bruce Avenue. Officers arrived and found Daniel actively assaulting a resident in the entryway. Officers deployed a taser — it was ineffective. A second taser was deployed — also ineffective. Officers then physically intervened and placed Daniel in handcuffs. Shortly after being restrained, he became unresponsive. Officers and emergency medical personnel rendered aid. He was transported to Saint Joseph Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The family was not notified by police. They learned of Sean's death when an organ donation society called their parents and sister. When the family went to the hospital, they were not permitted to see or identify his body.
Official ruling
No official cause of death has been publicly determined. The Yonkers Police Department stated that preliminary findings show "no indication that the Taser deployment or any actions taken by responding Officers caused the suspect's death." The department cited body-worn camera footage indicating Daniel had been using drugs prior to the incident, and noted that an autopsy identified underlying medical conditions that may have contributed to his death. Toxicology results are pending. The official cause of death has not been released.
Contested record
The family directly disputes the department's framing. Sherria Daniel challenged the claim of underlying medical conditions: "What medical conditions? My brother was one of the healthiest and strongest people." The family retained legal counsel and is demanding answers. They have also raised concern about how they learned of Sean's death — through an organ donation society, not police — and the fact that they were denied access to his body at the hospital.
The New York State Attorney General's Office has been notified of the death. Yonkers Police Internal Affairs Division has opened an investigation.
Legal process
April 7, 2026 — Sean Daniel dies after being restrained by Yonkers Police officers at 165 Bruce Avenue. Transported to Saint Joseph Medical Center; pronounced dead.
April 8–9, 2026 — Yonkers Police Department issues statement attributing death to possible underlying medical conditions and drug use. States no indication officers caused death. Internal Affairs investigation opened. NY State Attorney General's Office notified.
April 10, 2026 — Family speaks publicly, disputes department's account, retains legal counsel.
As of May 31, 2026 — Autopsy and toxicology results not publicly released. Official cause of death not determined. Investigation ongoing. No charges filed.
Sources
News 12 Westchester — Family Seeks Answers After Saying Brother Died In Yonkers Police Custody
Yonkers Times — Man Dies After Yonkers Police Tase and Arrest Him
Hoodline — Yonkers lobby attack turns deadly after cops deploy tasers