A police officer points a gun at a knife-wielding Steven Jones at the intersection of Hartford’s Blue Hills Avenue and Euclid Street on Friday, Feb. 27, moments before pulling the trigger. Jones later died of his injuries. — Office of Inspector General
City leaders have fired a Hartford police officer after determining he fatally shot a man who was experiencing a mental health crisis last month.
Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam announced he had fired Officer Joseph Magnano on Friday, March 27, following last month’s shooting of 55-year-old Steven Jones. The mayor said the decision was based “on the grounds of his performance.”
The move comes weeks after growing public pressure and demonstrations at Hartford City Hall.
Jones was shot multiple times in the torso on Feb. 27 on Blue Hills Avenue. Family members had contacted 911 to report he was suffering a mental health crisis. He died days later at an area hospital.
According to the Connecticut Inspector General, Jones was holding a large knife and walking toward the officer when Magnano fired nine shots. The report also states Jones did not raise the knife toward officers.
Public outcry was swift. Residents held protests and demanded accountability. Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump has been working with the family to discuss legal options, and Rev. Al Sharpton spoke at Jones’ funeral on Thursday.
“The firing of this officer is an important step toward accountability, but it cannot be the end of the process,” Crump said. “Stevie Jones should be alive today. His family deserves full transparency and a thorough, independent investigation. We will continue pressing for answers, accountability, and meaningful changes so that any person experiencing a mental health crisis is met with care, compassion, and de-escalation – not deadly force.”
In a statement, Arulampalam pointed to the need for trust between police and the community.
“The Hartford Police Department is built on a foundation of trust and a commitment to serving every resident with excellence,” he said. “To maintain that bond, we must ensure that every individual wearing a Hartford badge meets the highest professional standards.”
City officials have not released further details about the firing beyond the mayor’s statement. The decision marks a major step in a case that has remained at the center of public concern in Hartford.
Read the preliminary Connecticut Inspector General’s report on the shooting here.