Local leaders react to charges brought against former Hartford police officer
Civil rights leaders and advocates in Connecticut are supporting the manslaughter charge filed against former Hartford police officer Joseph Magnano in the fatal shooting of Steven Jones earlier this year.
The reaction comes after the Office of the Inspector General released a 53-page report recommending charges against Magnano in the February shooting on Blue Hills Avenue in Hartford. Investigators concluded the shooting was unjustified.
Jones was experiencing a mental health crisis and was holding a knife when Hartford police responded outside his home, according to the report. Three officers were already on scene attempting to use a Taser and negotiate with Jones when Magnano arrived.
According to the report, Magnano was not dispatched to the scene but responded after hearing officers might be in danger. The report says Magnano drew his gun after arriving, while other officers told him to “get back.”
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump said the body camera footage and video captured by bystanders support the inspector general’s findings.
“He needed a helping hand, but what that officer gave him was nine bullets,” Crump said.
Crump also questioned why Magnano used deadly force when the other officers on the scene did not.
“Either the three officers on the scene were wrong, for not shooting and killing Stevie, or number two, officer Magnano was wrong because he shot and killed Stevie Jones, you can’t have it both ways,” Crump said.
Greater Hartford NAACP President Corrie Betts also spoke during the news conference.
“The law cannot be a hammer for the poor, and a cushion for the powerful,” Betts said.
Betts said the criminal charge alone does not guarantee accountability.
“A report is not justice, a charge is not justice, a press conference is not justice, justice is what happens when accountability is carried all the way through,” Betts said.
The Hartford Police Officers Union defended Magnano’s actions, saying he was trying to protect fellow officers and the public.
“Magnano was trying to take control of the scene, and it wasn’t in control because Mr. Jones was walking wherever he wanted, going wherever he wanted, tried to take control, and Mr. Jones keyed in on him,” Hartford Police Officers Union representative James Rutkauski said.
Rutkauski also emphasized that the charge does not mean Magnano has been convicted.
“It doesn’t mean Joe was guilty, it means now the court system is in play, and we are going to let this play out, let the process work the way it’s supposed to, now we are in the process,” Rutkauski said.
Civil rights leaders said they are also exploring legislation to prevent similar incidents in the future. They said discussions are underway with the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, though no specific proposals have been released.
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