Man fatally shot by Hartford police laid to rest, funeral attended by national civil rights leaders
A Hartford man named Steven Jones was laid to rest Thursday after he was fatally shot by a Hartford police officer earlier this month.
In attendance at his funeral was prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who says he is exploring all possible legal options for the family. He was joined by civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton, who said he was in attendance to shine light on Jones’ death.
Steven Jones’ sister Audrey and loved ones described him as kind and compassionate at his funeral Thursday.
“We miss you deeply Stevie. And you will forever remain in our hearts,” said Audrey.
Nearly one month ago, police say Jones was experiencing a mental health crisis, cutting himself and holding a knife. Audrey said she called for an ambulance, but the police responded instead.
The inspector general’s report indicates three officers repeatedly asked Jones to drop the knife, but he did not comply. Then, a fourth officer, Officer Joseph Magnano, arrived on scene, told Jones to drop the knife, then fired nine shots at Jones when Jones moved towards him.
He died a week later, and his death was ruled a homicide.
“This case represents mental health victims of all races all over the country. This case represents how you treat us differently when you come. This case warrants us to ask policemen how they can come to a scene and override the decisions of policemen already on the scene,” Sharpton said.
Both Sharpton and Crump say they want to get justice for Jones.
Jones’ death was the second fatal shooting by a Hartford Police officer in an eight-day time period.
“Everybody in leadership in Hartford, Connecticut, help heal this community. It first starts by healing this family and doing right by this family,” Crump said.
Officer Magnano is out on paid administrative leave.
Hartford police told us they could not comment, and we are waiting to hear back from the Hartford Police Union and the City of Hartford.
In the past, the union has called the shooting justified and lawful, and that officers should not be society’s default mental health responders. The mayor has said he wants the inspector general’s investigation to be thorough and transparent.
The inspector general’s investigation continues at the state level.
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