Body Camera Footage Released Of Man Who Died In Police Custody

STAMFORD, CT — The State's Attorney for the Judicial District of Stamford/Norwalk is investigating the death of Steven Barrier, a 23-year-old city man who died after being taken into custody by Stamford Police on Oct. 23.

On Tuesday, State's Attorney Richard J. Colangelo Jr., who is conducting the investigation, released body camera footage and a 911 call from the night of Barrier's arrest.

The footage and phone call reveal that a 911 call was received at 11:40 p.m. reporting a domestic violence incident involving Barrier at a home.

Barrier wasn't home when officers arrived, but police received text messages around 1:30 a.m. informing them he had returned to the house.

Barrier again fled when police responded, and officers chased him on foot. Barrier ran through several backyards and ended up at the Home Depot on West Main Street.

(WARNING: The following video contains graphic language and images.)

Colangelo said the body camera footage shows police taking Barrier into custody without incident. When asked to walk to a police car, Barrier told officers he was tired and was ultimately carried to a cruiser.

During the drive, Barrier asked for the air conditioning to be turned on, and an officer rolled down the car windows a bit.

After taking him out of the car, officers found that Barrier was unconscious and they carried him to a holding area. They requested medical emergency medical help, which arrived about six minutes later. Barrier was taken to Stamford Hospital, where he died at 3:10 a.m., Colangelo said.

See also: Stamford Mother 'Begging' For Answers About Son's Death

Barrier's autopsy was performed Wednesday morning, and the medical examiner's preliminary findings indicated there is "no evidence of inflicted injuries," Colangelo said. The cause and manner of death has not been determined yet.

"We extend our condolences to Mr. Barrier's family on their tragic loss," Colangelo said in a statement. "The State's Attorney's Office has been in contact with the family to assure that they are kept aware of the investigation. I have shared the body worn camera video with the family, and it was understandably upsetting to them. They have agreed with me that some of the video should be released at this time."

Colangelo said there is no evidence a Taser was used by any Stamford Police officer.

"It is my intent to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to determine what caused Mr. Barrier's death," Colangelo said. "In determining what information will be released and when, I will balance the needs of the investigation with the public's right to know what happened."

On Friday, Barrier's mother, Valerie Jaddo, said she was "begging" for answers about her son's final moments during a news conference held at Bethel AME Church in Stamford. Clergy, elected officials and representatives of the NAACP's Stamford branch were also in attendance.

"Three days ago, my son needed help," Jaddo said during the news conference. "Instead of receiving help, he lost his life. I received the news that no mother should ever have to hear. I am left with a giant pain in my heart and a thousand questions about what happened."

Jaddo said her family was not casting blame or jumping to conclusions about what happened that morning, however they are demanding answers from the department.

"What happened between my son and police during their initial encounter?" Jaddo asked. "Was he tased? Was he in pain? Why did [officers] take my son to the police station when you should have taken my son to the hospital? Could all of this have been prevented? Did he ask for help?"

In a statement released Friday, Mayor David Martin said he invited community leaders, clergy, and members of the NAACP to his office Thursday to discuss the incident, along with Colangelo, Acting Police Chief Thomas Wuennemann and other officials.

"During that discussion we shared important details, including the medical examiner's preliminary report which concluded there was no evidence of inflicted injuries," Martin said in a statement. "The medical examiner expects more information through the toxicology report, which may take four to six weeks to complete, and the city and the state's attorney have requested this report be expedited."

Martin said he believed the community had the right to know what happened and would share all available information as soon as he was permitted by the State's Attorney's Office.

"The death of this man is an absolute tragedy and I sympathize with the grief his family is feeling," Martin said. "I met with his mother [Friday] morning and expressed my sincerest condolences."