YORKTOWN, Va. — What happened to Sean?
It's a question that continues to echo throughout the Yorktown community following the death of 12-year-old Sean Daugherty in April 2022—a year ago.
Authorities said Sean was found in the backyard of his home, hanging from a swing set. The Chief Medical Examiner's Office reported Sean was suspended from a "shoelace-type" string, with a bag over his head, and his arms secured by his sides with a belt. He was found wearing his stepfather's clothes, shoe-less, with no glasses on.
The Chief Medical Examiner's Office ruled Sean's death a suicide.
But Sean's family did not agree with that ruling, and for the last year has been pushing to have the case re-examined.
“He deserves, if not us, he deserves the answers for him,” said Sean's father Jared Rivas.
News 3's Ellen Ice asked the York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office for an update on the case but said no comment.
As the community continues to ask for answers in the case, they're also working to remember Sean. Friday night, there was a candlelit walk in his neighborhood to remember him.
“Anyone who is supporting us is really supporting Sean more than us," said Rivas, "It’s about making sure every question that’s asked gets answered."
