Essence

In consideration of others, please keep your comments concise and relevant to the story subject. Refrain from using offensive, inappropriate language. Because of the large volume of comments, we cannot and will not respond to individual inquiries; do not post them below. ESSENCE.com reserves the right to delete any entries or comments.

your comment: your name:

Other comments on this article.

nicole i am so sorry for your lost ...may god be with you ....and may god be with him for the rest of his jurney...r.i.p sean bell...you'll never be forgoten....be strong nicole..

-naelie

NICOLE I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY TO A WOMEN WHO HAS LOST SO MUCH. THERE ARE NO WORDS THAT THAT WILL COMFORT YOUR BROKEN HEART. BUT I WILL SAY BE STRONG AND PRAY IN THIS TIME OF NEED ON WHAT TO DO GOD WILL BE THERE EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR KIDS AND THE OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS OF THE SEAN BELL FAMILY.

-Nyreen Brown

My heart went out to you and the girls on the day that it happened. I thought then, this should have never happened! I really had hoped that justice would be done, but I can't in my heart see that it has been done. I am white, if it matters, and I just hate injustice no matter who gets it. I think the police training should be targeted because these officers did not respond like professionals. I feel sorry for all, but at some point, people should own up to their actions.

-Suzanne Russell

AFTER READING THIS STORY IN ESSENCE, MY HEART BREAKS FOR NICOLE AND HER DAUGHTERS. THIS IS SOMETHING I JUST CANNOT IMAGINE GOING THRU. I RESPECT HER DETERMINATION AND WILL POWER TO CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR SEAN RIGHTS. MAY GOD EASE THERE PAIN AND MAKE THERE DAYS BEARABLE AS TIME GOES ON.

-JEANNETTE HAYDEN

I also tried writing to Nicole Paultre Bell and evidently the address given is no longer good. Can you provide a "new" address since my card was returned? cordially, Ms. Miller

-Anonymous

American society still has a long way to go before it will punish policemen for doing the wrong thing, especially if it is an injustice against a Black man. But we must still hope and believe in the system that our country has and pray that justice provails and those policemen are punished to the fullest extent for the murder of Sean Bell.

-Mssylady

I've tried to write Ms. Nicole Paultre Bell with the address provided but it was returned. Is there another way of contacting her?

-Angela DeVore

Nicole, Hold on to God's unchanging hands. He will see you through all of this mess. God Bless you all.

-Brenda in Tennessee

Nicole You are in my prayers remember GOD never puts too much on you that you can't handle, the truth will come out eventually and I know justice will be servedsoon. Lean unto GOD and not your own understanding. May God be with you and your family.

-Latoya Parks

What is done in darkness will come to light. I pray this for now to a Rightous Almighty Heavenly Father. Having been attacked by police personally as well as experiencing my children being attacked, I see this energy is purely demonic. I pray peace and blessing and divine protection in exposing those devils (and all that abet). I pray that this system would want to eliminate low forms of a poor excuse for life that would take innocent life destroying lives due to a conscience base ignorant and vile existence; if not, the swo

-marilyn

to miss nicole i just wanted to say that what happened was a terrible thing. The police deserves to be punished. I hate to think about the suffering that you have to go thru due to the injustices n the world may Jehovah bless u and your family thru ur time of loss and breavment

-tamecia clark

Nicole, Continue to keep your head up and continue to be the strong young lady that you are. Not only will the outcome be a wake up call for the NYPD, it will show people who live in NY that when we speak up and remain positive, changes are made. God Bless you and he will continue to give you the strength and courage you need to walk this thing out. former New Yorker now in Virginia

-Gee

Nicole Paultre Bell, My heart goes out to you and the entire Bell family. I am praying for each and everyone of you. Some way and some how the truth will unfold. Just hang in there. I know it's easier said than done, but hold on to your faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Put all of your fears and your cares into GOD's hands. He has the ultimate say. GOD BLESS.

-Mrs. Campbell

Nicole, May God bless you & your family. I pray that his comforting hands hold you and our father guides and strengthens you all your days. I'm a fellow New Yorker & NYPD was wrong for shooting Sean. They're wrong EVERYTIME they ruthlessly slaughter, a Black man. That's the reason I left NY and don't plan to return. My sister, be strong. You can do all things through christ who strengthens you. Phillipians 4:13 God Bless

-Marlene

Mrs. Bell, I pray that justice will be served in this case and that your children and you will receive the monetary and punitive recompense due you, even though nothing can or will ever take the place of your husband and father. May this tragedy serve to warn the country and the world that exceptional restraint must always be instituted in our law enforcement system -- regardless of the situation. Much change is needed, and the moral eyes of the nation are upon this state.

-Mary White

may the lord bless and keep you. please keep strong for your kids and ask for the lords guidance. The lord will see you through Nicole and please never give up hope.

-williamson

MAY YOU AND YOUR GIRLS BE BLESSED ,, STAY STRONG AND GOD WILL HELP YOU THOUGH THE ROUGH TIMES.....

-GRANNY SLIM

dear nicole keep your head up and look to god for your strength and just know that he's know what you going thru and he loves you sean will always be in your heart and he's watching over you and your girls hug them and tell that you love each and every day because you never know love from missouri city texas

-sharon

To the anonymous writer - you need help! This is not an issue about where Sean was at the time - but - the injustice he received at the hands of those put in charge to "protect" us. This is about why these types of incidents happen most often to African-American males. As a community we should not stand by why such "hatred" is bestowed on our men - our people. These officers committed murder and should we receive prison time. If a white man suffered this tragedy at the hands of an African-American police officer - that

-Messenger for Justice

Nicole, May God give you the peace and courage to continue. May your children be Blessed and Favored. And may the Ultimate Judge give you the justice deserving to you and to Sean. May he rest in Peace.

-Diane

Nicole you are a very intelligent lady. This was a senseless act that could have been avoided as we all know. As I was Reading over some of the latest comments, I know that there are ignorant people out there. How could someone say, "What was he doingat a strip club the night before his wedding, he should have been home"? I don't care where he was, it does not give someone the right to take his life. Nicole keep your head high, and continue to be strong for your children. God knows how he will bring you out, and re

-Donya Snowton

I would like to commend Nicole Paultre Bell for being such a strong woman. Her interview with Essence shows her commitment and focus on seeing justice done. Her love and respect for her children and what they are dealing with and prioritizing them in the evening should be commended. Some may say this is what she should do, but I know many cases where the women were not strong enough to keep focus on their children. God bless her family and especially her sister for being there for her and the girls.

-Pam Pugh

This situation is truly heartbreaking. Nicole's children no longer have a father, and Nicole's husband-to-be was viciously taken from her. However, we must ask ourselves, what was Sean doing at a strip club on the night before his wedding? He was supposed to be at home preparing for the big day. If he had been at home instead of at a strip club, he might be alive today.

-Anonymous

i cannot imagine going through what this family has gone through. i hope it gives a little comfort knowing that there are people who pray for you everyday

-Shauna Archer

when i first heard about this incident, i was home in my living room watching it on the news. then i heard it again on the steve harvey morning show. this is senseless i was instanly angry. my heart goes out to the family. just know that GOD has the lastsay and this crime will not go unpunished belive that!!

-tired of the ignorant crimes against us

Hello Nicole, I heard about Sean's tragic and unnecessary death and I am soooo sorry for yours and your children's loss of your future husband and father of those beautiful children. I understand that the case is still in progress. I am praying for you and Sean's family through out what I can only imagine is a painful and tiring ordeal. From your interview with ESSENCE, you sound like an extremely Intelligent young Lady. Keep up your strength and God will get you through this moment and you can move on with remembering

-Joanne Mckenzie - Canada

Nicole, my heart goes out to you and your family. Continue to lean on God to give you strength to make it each day. He is your rock! As stated in the previous comments, take one day at a time. God is watching over you and will continue to take care of you and your children.

-Nicole W. Dallas, TX

To the family: May God give you strength in this difficult time. I wonder if there will ever be a time when policemen are brought to justice for their many wrongdoings. As long as the justice system allows them to get away with it, it will keep on. It doesn't take 50 bullets to bring a man down, so you know that something is very wrong with this situation. The police act like they can't catch people that carjack, rob, and terrorize innocent people, but they can harass people that are minding their own business the way M

-V.J. Norfolk, VA

Nicole, May GOD continue to bless you, Jordyn and Jada. Continue to take on day at a time and allow HIM to carry you. I'm praying for you.

-Thea- Baltimore, MD.

To Nicole, Jada and Jordyn we often wonder why the things that happen in our lives happen. Nicole, God is watching over you and your children and He has got your back. You are doing the right thing and God is going to allow you to get to a place where you will even forgive the officers who comitted this horrible act. However, continue to stand and do what is right not only for Sean, but for your children and those who have been victims of this type of crime before Sean, stand for the future victims ofthese types of horri

-DJ, Harrisburg, PA

Nicole, tears run down my face as i read this article. Its so unbeliveable. I just want you to know that The Almighty God is your Strenght in times like this. Keep on for your kids. You are in my prayers.

-Pheobian Nigeria

Nicole, you seem to be a very mature and strong young lady. I pray your strenght for not only you, but for your girls as well. They will need you more than ever, since their dad is gone. God is in control and will not put more on you than you can bear.Itis usually easier in public eye, but when your at home alone, that's when the pain hits. Be strong

-Chandra, IL

My heart aches, everytime I think of what has happen to you and your family also, Mrs. Bell. I truly know what you are going thru. I almost loss my son, the same way. But To God Be The Glory. I was there before the officers of the law(If that is whatI should call them.)pull there guns out. I got in the middle, my son had no weapons on him. But knowing them, they would have covered there tracks. You keep on fighting, watching, listening, and hang in there until justice is served. My prayers are with you.

-Diane-Vallejo,Ca.

Mrs.Bell i really applaud you on being such a strong woman. you continue to be strong for your childeren,and no matter what happens you make sure you get justice. they need to award you for pain andsufferng too! I'm just gonna keep it real it make no sense!I am so tired of cops doing whatever they want to and getting away with it. I DONT KNOW YOU BUT I LOVE YOU KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND GOD BLESS YOU AND THE GIRLS!

-TIWANDAFORD TASHAS_FORD@YAHOO.COM

Nicole as you walk through this turbulent time--Look To The Hills psalms 121, My family and I send you much strength and many prayers

-Dawn-New Jersey

Peace Mrs. Nicole Paultre-Bell..I hope and pray you and your family spirit is light as a feather..Indeed in this trying time in your life it is a lot to ask for but this time will pass and your spirit and heart shall succumb to the inevitable which is peace..Know that you are in many people prayers and dua's. You are the epitome of a strong black woman and I hope and pray your beautiful daughters adhere to your example...Know that you are loved when your lonely..You are not alone, you are not alone.. Peace

-Robin

Keep ur head up, we (as ur fans) are praying for u and ur family, just know that God has ur back, u just believe. U haven't lost ur fiancee he is still here only in the spirit. Luv U!

-Patrice (Tricey) Mott

Hang in there ... and keep your head up sweetie. You will not be let down. I believe that and I want you to believe that as well. It is a very trying time for you, I am sure you are wondering why me ... remember God would not put this amount of stress/burden on your shoulders if he did not think you were strong enough or capable of making it thru.I may not have said it right, but I am praying your family will help you thru it all for now and forever.

-CYLK REIGN

AND FOR THE RUDE FOLKS THAT GET ON HERE AND SAY STUPID THINGS, PLEASE REFRAIN FROM SAYING ANYTHING IF YOU CAN'T BE ENCOURAGING. YES I MEANT TO SAY STUPID BECAUSE CALLING YOU IGNORANT WOULD IMPLY THAT YOU DONT KNOW ANY BETTER AND I'M PRETTY SURE YOU DO.

-CAPREE

I am so happy they allowed Nicole to take her fiance's last name. It was only right that they did. I feel so sad for her, their children and his family. May GOD see you through and continue to give you guidance and strength. I HOPE JUSTICE IS SERVED.

-Capree

Dear Nicole, I pray that God will lift the pain and saddness that you, Sean's family and your family have had to endure. God bless you all. I am a single mother of 2 children and only hope to find someone like Sean was to you one day. He was there for you in the beginning and will always be a beautiful influence in your life. For Durangodiva' How dare you question her last name and how she obtained it and bring up money in regards to a horrific, tragedy. You should be ashamed. Let's pray you never hav

-Be blessed

I hate to admit it, but it's not a wonder with things going on like this, that so many police officers are being killed all over the country by ordinary citizens. I'm not saying that it is justified because only God has the right to take a life, but I can understand WHY it happens. I really hope that NYPD officers who inflicted so much pain on these families, are brought to justice. Jail time will serve them right, including the "undercover brotha" who initiated the attacks on these young men. My heart really goes out to

-Tricey

I hate to admit it, but it's not a wonder with things going on like this, that so many police officers are being killed all over the country by ordinary citizens. I'm not saying that it is justified because only God has the right to take a life, but I can understand WHY it happens. I really hope that NYPD officers who inflicted so much pain on these families, are brought to justice. Jail time will serve them right, including the "undercover brotha" who initiated the attacks on these young men. My heart really goes out to

-Tricey

I am very sorry about your loss. May God bless you and your children and my prays go out to you and your children.

-Nicole

Durangodiva: As far as her last name, Yes they did allow her to take his last name, even though technically they never married. Plus I think both of her children have his last name yet another reason they allowed her to take the last name Bell

-Clerk of court....Charlotte NC

I am confused. Is the her surname Bell? or did she legally change her last name to Bell even though she and Sean were never married? I think that is odd even with the full knowledge that he was murdered the day before their wedding day...they were never legally married,thus, why does she carry his last name. Oh well, I am sure justice will prevail, she will get a fat monetary compensation from the police department, live like a millionairess with no worries for the rest of her life, and eventually marry someone. When th

-Durangodiva

I can only imagine how terrible it is for you to relieve that moment when you lost the love of your life. I admire your strength but with true love everything is possible. You, and Sean's family have the support of the community. I am praying for all ofyou, keep faith and be strong for yourself and your girls. God loves you.

-Anonymous

Hi, Nicole I very sorry to hear what has happening to you and your family. I too has lost my child father to volient in the streets. Even though this happen to my family 4 years ago it still feel like yesterday. My advice to you is to pray everyday, ittruly help. I wish you and your family the best of luck with the trial. God Bless

-unique

My most humble prayers go out to you and everyone that loved your fiance. God's justice transcends all. So whether now or in the future, you and your family will find justice and peace.

-Theresa

Nichole, I want to say first of all that my heart goes out to you and your precious young daughters, I also want you to know that God is and will always be there for you. Hang in there justice will prevail one thing that I ask is that you do not let hatecomsume you for the sake of your sanity and your childerns benefits. Remember God loves you and so do I

-Diane Timberlake

First, I want to say to Nicole - you are an extraordinary, strong Black woman. When I think of what you must be going through, I am in awe of your determination. You, Sean's family, and your entire family are in my prayers. Keep God first and walk with your head held high and you will persevere! We love you and encourage you!

-Patricia Hatton-Williams

May the good lord keep you in this time but always remember that you are blessed with the spirit of strong sista hood, Coretta Scott-King and Betty Shabazz never stop fighting for justice. Until the End The Lord is my Shepard you will always stay in my prayers.

-polly

Hang in there sweetie, God is going to work this one out too.

-Ms. Gordon; Kansas City, MO

Nicole, May God's greatest blessings pour out on you and your children, and may you remain strong to complete the mission that is set before you. Dianne D. in Norwich, CT

-Anonymous

Nicole, First let me say that my heart goes out to your family and Sean's. But trust and believe that God sees all and he knows all. Remain focused and grounded and know that God will bring you through and justice will be done. You are in my thoughts andmy prayers.

-Ethel Walker

Nicole I pray for you and your family. I ask God to give you all the strength the you need to get you and your family through this ordeal. I know what it is like to wake up in the early morning hours with that phone call to hear that you have lost the love your life. You never heal completely, but one day at a time is the only way to move on and survive. May God give you the justice that you, your girls, your families deserve. Always in my prayers

-Tania Ortiz Doyen

Nicole, I read that thed trial for your slain fiancee' had started. I very much admire that you want to get to the truth and that you are in the trial everyday to hear everything. I admire your truth and honesty to everybody and everything that is concerned. Nicole, above all of this, keep God involved in the whole process. He will keep you grounded throughout the whole process. God Bless You and God Keep You and the girls.

-Michael

my heart goes out to you and your family just stay strong and keep your faith in god you will have justice for what they did

-kandie

This is very heart breaking, my heart goes out to u and ur family.

-Neena

Nicole continue trusting God because he will see you and your beautiful girls through this. Remember Nicole God still has the last word no matter what man does. You and your family are in my prayers.

-Barbara

I know what it feels like to grow up without a father present. What has been taken away from Nicole and those precious little girls is priceless.

-Linda

This is so tragic. I feel for the family and hope that God will ease their suffering in time. It is unfortunate that this case has been relegated to the back pages while the headlines feature stories about infidelity with prostitutes.

-Debra

I feel greatly overwhelmed with grief hearing about Nicole and her family's struggles. My prayers go out to you and Sean's baby girls. Just remember God loves you and justice will be served if not on earth in heaven.

-Latanya

My heart goes out to you and your children. I say seek justice and ask God to help you along the way. It's sad when police officers commit horrific crimes such as this and it is swept under the rug. But as one has said oh they will reap what they sow!!!

-Ms. V

Dear Nicole My heart goes out to you and your daughters. I pray that you will find it in your heart to forgive. Forgiveness will open your path to blessings you and your daughters cannot hold.

-Michelle

My son was murdered by Gerry Cooney in Suffolk County. That is one main reason I have left New York...The police did nothing, I fought alone. GOD BLESS YOU..He has something BIG in store for you, believe me..It hurts everyday. God is a healer...

-Victoria Delk

Dear Nicole: You are a beautiful woman, inside and out. Your spirit and love for your children and their father make you a wonderful role model. It is particularly tragic that you and Sean were at the beginning of a new life together. But I believe that you and your children grow stronger together and that your future will be bright. My prayers go to you and your daughters.

-Ellie Mae

Justice WILL be served, it may not be here on this EARTH, but they will pay for killing this young man ...alot of us look for our rewards here on earth..they may not come in that manner. Be strong sis

-Anonymous.....

JUSTICE SHOULD BE SERVED, cops are killing our black men everyday and getting away with it

-Anonymous

Stay strong sister! Look at the light in your children's eyes and know that they man you loved soo much will be with you always. Nothing can take that away from you. Be blessed!

-Jenn

Miss Bell, I cannot begin to tell you how admirable it is to see a strong African-American woman doing what she does best; standing up for justice no matter what is going on. I pray that God will continue to bless you and your children and renew your spirits in this difficult time. My family and I will be praying for you.

-Melyssa Doornick

May God continually bless and keep you. And may justice be served upon those officers that did this horrible crime. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

-Pam

This type of tragedy should happen to no one. Everyone is entitled to due process, no matter what the situation. This one unfortunately the young man was out to simply celebrate with his friends. I'm saddened. Keep your head up girl, and keep pressing forward Goood comes from all things....even this. Just beleive, and keep the faith.

-One victim to another

I think justice should be served. I can understand if this was a young man who wasn't about anything in life. This was a man that was about to marry the love of his life, to live by the words of the bible. I remember reading the initial article and crying. Why? Why? God only knows but it doesn't mean you can't get what's owed to you. Not only will justice be prevailed, but the men that killed him will have to stand before God.

-Monika White

My heart goes out to you. You and your family are in my prayers.

-Kay

may god bless you and the children and when there is nothing more to do pray pray pray keep life in and not out.

-fefe , oklahoma

Courage to change the things you can and wisdom to accept the things you can't. This is my wish for you. Be strong, young sister.

-Anonymous

My heart goes out to that beautiful sister. I pray for you and your family.

-Daniel

Hopeful, Charlotte NC, when have you ever seen white policemen sentenced for killing a black man in the line of duty?

-Anonymous

I feel sorry for mainly the kids. Now they don't have a dad.

-Anonymous

Essence...This looks like the same interview that you did with Mrs.Paultre not too long ago. Maybe some new questions.. Mrs. Paultre, stay strong, I can only imagine this is a difficult time. Justice will be served.

-Hopeful, Charlotte NC