HARTFORD — Joseph Magnano, 23, made his first court appearance on a manslaughter charge at Superior Court in Hartford. The charge stems from the fatal shooting of 55-year-old Steven Jones on February 27.
Dozens of officers attended the hearing in support of Magnano, many displaying badges over their clothing. Magnano, who is white, did not speak during the proceeding and later hugged officers outside the courtroom. Jones, who was Black, died four days after the shooting. Jones had a history of mental illness.
Police body camera video shows three officers repeatedly telling Jones to drop a knife over several minutes. About 12 minutes after the initial 911 call, Magnano arrived, drew his pistol, and told Jones to drop the knife. "You're going to get shot." Magnano said.
A woman at the scene was heard screaming, "Don't shoot him!" As Jones walked toward Magnano, the officer issued a final warning before shooting Jones nine times. Connecticut Inspector General Eliot Prescott said an investigation found that Steven Jones was not an imminent threat. However, Magnano wrote in his incident report, "I was fearful of Jones making a sudden lunge towards either an officer or citizen."
The mayor of Hartford fired Magnano following the shooting. The incident prompted public discussion regarding the police department's policies for responding to individuals experiencing mental distress. Corrie Betts, president of the Greater Hartford NAACP branch, was present at the hearing. Betts questioned police conduct in mental health situations. "They take an oath to protect and serve. So when they're called to a mental health call and an individual ends up dead, is that protecting and serving?" Betts asked.