Former Hartford Cop Charged in Fatal Shooting

Former Hartford police officer Joseph Magnano was charged with first-degree manslaughter on May 18 in the fatal shooting of Steven “Stevie” Jones, a 55-year-old Hartford man who authorities said was in a mental health crisis when police confronted him on Feb. 27. Connecticut Inspector General Eliot Prescott said his office determined Magnano was not justified in using deadly force against Jones on Blue Hills Avenue. Magnano, who was fired by the city in March, was arrested, arraigned in Hartford Superior Court and released on $50,000 bond. Jones died on March 3 after being shot nine times, according to state investigators. ### Who was charged, and what do prosecutors say he did? Joseph Magnano, a former Hartford officer, faces a first-degree manslaughter charge after a roughly two-and-a-half-month investigation by the Connecticut Office of Inspector General. Prescott said Monday that Magnano’s use of lethal force was not reasonable and that the officer failed to attempt de-escalation or use non-lethal force before opening fire. (ctpublic.org) Police body-camera footage reviewed by investigators showed Magnano was at the scene for less than 30 seconds before he drew his handgun and fired nine shots, according to News From The States and Connecticut Public, which cited the inspector general’s report. One other officer can be heard saying, “Mag, Mag, Mag, chill,” Connecticut Public reported. (ctpublic.org) ### What happened on Blue Hills Avenue on February 27? At 11:03 a.m. on Feb. 27, Jones’ sister called 911 from 687 Blue Hills Ave. and reported that he was holding a knife, had cut himself and was having an acute mental health crisis, according to the inspector general’s preliminary report and later reporting on the charging decision. Family members said Jones had not taken his medication. (newsfromthestates.com) The first officers on scene tried to get Jones to drop the knife and used Tasers several times, but the devices did not immobilize him, according to the inspector general’s account cited by Connecticut Public. Jones at one point chased a second officer around a cruiser, then slowed as that officer backed away and kept distance, the report said. (ctpublic.org) ### Why was Magnano fired before the criminal charge? Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said on March 27 that Magnano’s employment was terminated effective immediately after the city conducted its own review while the state investigation continued. The mayor said body-camera footage was “deeply concerning” and credited three other officers with trying to de-escalate the confrontation. (ctpublic.org) Arulampalam said Monday that the criminal charge was a “critical, independent step” and that his administration would continue cooperating with investigators. He also said his decision to fire Magnano was based on conduct that violated “the core principles of public safety, care, and crisis de-escalation.” (patch.com) ### How unusual is a charge like this in Connecticut? The Connecticut Inspector General’s Office said it is responsible for reviewing every police shooting in the state. News From The States reported that the charge against Magnano is only the second time the office has sought to prosecute an officer for a line-of-duty killing. (ctpublic.org) In 2022, the office charged Connecticut State Trooper Brian North with manslaughter in the shooting death of Mubarak Soulemane after a high-speed chase, according to News From The States. North was later acquitted by a jury. ### What comes next in court? Hartford Superior Court is scheduled to hear the case next on June 5, according to Connecticut Public. (newsfromthestates.com) Magnano was released after arraignment on $50,000 bond, and reports published Monday said his attorney was not immediately identified or available for comment. (ctpublic.org)