On February 27, 2026, a 911 call from a family member reported that 55-year-old Steven Jones of Hartford, Connecticut, was in an acute mental health crisis, had harmed himself, and possessed a knife. Officers found Jones on the front stoop holding a large knife; attempts to de-escalate and a Taser deployment were unsuccessful. As more officers formed a perimeter and continued to plead with Jones to drop the weapon, Officer Joseph Magnano arrived, drew his firearm and, within seconds, repeatedly ordered Jones to drop the knife. When Jones walked steadily toward him in the street, Magnano fired nine times.

Jones was taken to Saint Francis Hospital in critical condition and died there on March 3, 2026. The Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide due to complications from gunshot wounds to the torso. Officer Magnano was placed on administrative leave while the Connecticut Office of Inspector General and the Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crime Squad jointly investigate. The family has retained attorney Ben Crump and is seeking accountability and changes to how police handle mental health crises; the shooting has prompted protests and calls from city leaders for a transparent investigation.

Did anyone in Hartford witness the encounter or have information about what led up to the shooting?