Sean Bell’s Fiance Reflects on His Death, Trayvon Martin

Nicole Paultre Bell speaks out six years later

It’s been nearly six years since Sean Bell was shot and killed by New York City police officers back in 2006 on the day he was supposed to marry his fiance, Nicole Paultre Bell. The Sean Bell case was an arduous court battle that led to the officers’ unexpected acquittal in 2008. However, after five and half years, four of the officers involved have been forced out of the police department, giving the Bell family at least a semblance of closure.

Since the loss of her fiance, Nicole has used the national spotlight to become a social agent. She founded her own non-profit organization in memory of Sean Bell, and in 2010, she took a stab at politics by running for City Council in her Queens district.

In an exclusive interview with Loop 21, Nicole reflects on the Sean Bell saga, what’s on the horizon for her and the Bell family, her thoughts on the Trayvon Martin case and meeting his parents.

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Loop 21: How are you and your two daughters doing nearly six years since the shooting of Sean?

Nicole Paultre Bell: We’re blessed. But there is still a struggle to raise awareness regarding this terrible tragedy that took place on my wedding day. We remain faithful. Right now we’re doing our best to pick up the pieces. My daughters are truly a blessing. They’re a mirror reflection of their father.

Loop 21: How are Sean’s parents doing?

Bell: They lost their child, so like any other parent they still miss him. They’re doing their best to cope with it, but they’re also very faithful. They believe in God, so I’m sure that’s what is helping them with this.

Loop 21: How do you manage to keep Sean’s memory alive for your daughters, particularly your youngest daughter who was just an infant at the time?

Bell: Both of my children were very young. Jada was about two weeks away from her fourth birthday. Jordan was only five months. Now they’re 9 and 5. Jordan, of course, doesn’t know Sean personally, but I do my best to show her the photos that we have as a family, and tell all of the wonderful stories about her dad and who he was. It’s important to let them know who their father was.

Loop 21: How do you feel now that the officers involved in Sean’s shooting have been forced out of the NYPD?

Bell: It’s been six years since Sean was killed and it’s something that was long overdue. [Sean and his friends] were celebrating a bachelor’s party. They committed no crime and they weren’t out there causing any trouble. The only trouble that came that night was from the police officers. They should have been dealt with a lot harsher than they have because there was no justice. It was long overdue. Thank God they’re not on the force anymore because those men have proven that they can’t be trusted.

[Also Read: Cop Who Shot Sean Bell Has "No Regrets"]

Loop 21: In 2010, you ran for city council. Do you have any plans to get back into politics?

Bell: There’s a lot that goes with that job. You’re able to serve your community, but officials are under so much pressure. I’ve been through a lot in my life and I think at this point I enjoy what I’m doing now.