Rev. Al Sharpton Calls for Accountability at Hartford Man's Funeral

Steven Jones was the second Black man experiencing a mental health episode to be shot and killed by Hartford police in an eight-day period.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:20am

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Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton delivered a eulogy and call to action at the funeral of Steven "Stevie" Jones, a 55-year-old Hartford resident who was killed by a police officer in February. Jones was the second Black man experiencing a mental health episode to be shot and killed by Hartford police in an eight-day period. Sharpton and attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the Jones family, announced they would be pursuing a legislative hearing on mental health crisis response in Connecticut.

Why it matters

The back-to-back police shootings of two Black men experiencing mental health crises in Hartford have sparked outrage and renewed calls for accountability and reform in how law enforcement responds to mental health emergencies. The case highlights broader issues around racial disparities, use of force, and the need for better training and resources to de-escalate these situations.

The details

On February 27, Jones was suffering a mental health episode when his sister Audrey called 911 for help. Jones was brandishing a knife and walking slowly on a Hartford street. In body camera footage, officers initially tried to de-escalate the situation, saying "We don't want to shoot you," and "We're gonna get you help." An officer attempted to use a Taser, but it was ineffective. After several minutes, another officer arrived, ordered Jones to drop the knife, and within 30 seconds, began firing, shooting him nine times. Jones died on March 3.

  • On February 19, Everard Walker was shot and killed by Hartford police after a family member called 211 for help.
  • On February 27, Steven "Stevie" Jones was shot and killed by Hartford police after his sister Audrey called 911 for help.
  • On March 3, Steven "Stevie" Jones died from his injuries.

The players

Rev. Al Sharpton

A civil rights leader who delivered the eulogy and call to action at Steven Jones' funeral.

Steven "Stevie" Jones

A 55-year-old Hartford resident who was shot and killed by Hartford police while experiencing a mental health episode.

Audrey Jones

The sister of Steven "Stevie" Jones, who called 911 for help and can be heard on body camera footage begging officers not to shoot her brother.

Ben Crump

An attorney representing the Jones family, who announced plans to pursue a legislative hearing on mental health crisis response in Connecticut.

Arunan Arulampalam

The mayor of Hartford, who was present at the funeral gathering and was acknowledged by speakers.

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What they’re saying

“If they didn't come start shooting, why did you come and start shooting? How did the police that were there for minutes try to talk to Stevie, but you come and decide to execute Stevie? That don't make sense to me.”

— Rev. Al Sharpton, Civil rights leader

“If I would have known that they were gonna to kill my brother, I would not have ever called 911 for an ambulance. I just ask that you pray for me and my family during these trying times.”

— Audrey Jones, Sister of Steven "Stevie" Jones

“We're calling on the mayor, the police chief and everybody involved in leadership in Hartford, Connecticut, to make sure that they help heal this community. It first starts with healing this family and doing right by this family.”

— Ben Crump, Attorney representing the Jones family

What’s next

Sharpton and Crump announced they would be pursuing a legislative hearing on mental health crisis response in Connecticut to address the issues highlighted by the back-to-back police shootings of Black men experiencing mental health episodes in Hartford.

The takeaway

The tragic deaths of Steven "Stevie" Jones and Everard Walker underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reform in how law enforcement responds to mental health crises, particularly in communities of color. This case calls for greater accountability, improved crisis intervention training, and a fundamental shift in approach to prioritize de-escalation and connection to mental health resources over the use of lethal force.