Inmate Accused Of Killing Cellmate, 1st Degree Murder Charge

FROSTPROOF, FL — An inmate at the Polk County Jail has been accused of killing his cellmate by stomping on him inside their cell May 13, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said.

John Smith, 36, severely stomped Shaun Seaman, 40, in their shared cell at the South County Jail in Frostproof, authorities said. The stomping caused the victim to bleed and go unconscious. A detention deputy saw that Seaman was severely injured during a routine check on inmates. Seaman died at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center May 21.

An autopsy report by the medical examiner's office May 24 showed that Seaman sustained blunt force trauma to his head, including a skull fracture and multiple contusions on his brain.

“The investigation showed that Smith, unprovoked, stomped Mr. Seaman causing his death," Sheriff Grady Judd. "We are looking forward to the criminal justice system holding Smith responsible for the murder of Shaun Seaman. Our prayers are with Mr. Seaman’s family.”

Smith faces first-degree murder charges, according to officers.