On the night of September 2, 2018, 28-year-old Joshua Steele was shot at a crowded house party on Hillside Avenue in Hartford. The party drew more than 100 people and local ShotSpotter sensors recorded multiple bursts of gunfire; police found Steele and 34-year-old Kevin Campbell with multiple gunshot wounds. Both men were taken to Hartford Hospital and later died. A third man, 24-year-old Alex Roman, was shot in the foot and survived.

Detectives concluded the attack appeared targeted and likely came from a single shooter, but despite many potential witnesses at the party, cooperation was limited and no suspect has been publicly identified. Community groups held vigils and urged anyone with information to come forward. Steele had recently earned his commercial driver’s license and was about to start a new job; family described him as hardworking, protective, and kind beneath a tough exterior.

If anyone at that Hillside Avenue gathering or nearby on that night has information, please share what is known with Hartford police.