Hartford Officer Fired After Fatally Shooting Man in Mental Health Crisis

Mayor says officer's actions did not meet department standards as other officers tried to de-escalate the situation.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:18am

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A white Connecticut police officer who fatally shot a Black man 30 seconds after arriving at the scene, where three fellow officers had spent several minutes trying to de-escalate the situation, was fired on Friday. The mayor said the officer's actions did not meet the department's standards, as the body camera footage showed other officers working to help the man who was in a mental health crisis.

Why it matters

The shooting highlights ongoing concerns about police use of force, particularly against individuals experiencing mental health issues. It comes just over a week after another Hartford officer fatally shot a different man in a mental health crisis, raising questions about the department's training and protocols for responding to such situations.

The details

The incident occurred on February 27 when Steven Jones' sister called 911 seeking help for her brother, who was having a mental health crisis and had a knife. Three officers spent several minutes trying to de-escalate the situation, with one telling Jones 'We're going to make sure you're OK.' However, when Officer Joseph Magnano arrived 30 seconds later, he immediately drew his gun and fatally shot Jones nine times as Jones slowly walked toward him.

  • The 911 call was made on February 27, 2026.
  • The shooting occurred about 12 minutes after the 911 call.
  • Officer Magnano was fired on March 28, 2026.

The players

Arunan Arulampalam

The mayor of Hartford, Connecticut who terminated Officer Magnano.

James Rovella

The Hartford police chief.

Steven Jones

A Black man who was fatally shot by Officer Magnano while experiencing a mental health crisis.

Officer Joseph Magnano

The white Hartford police officer who fatally shot Steven Jones 30 seconds after arriving on the scene.

Officer James Prignano

One of the three Hartford police officers who spent several minutes trying to de-escalate the situation with Steven Jones before Magnano arrived and shot him.

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What they’re saying

“In the body-worn camera footage of the incident, as well as publicly shared videos, I saw three officers work together as a team to de-escalate a mental health crisis in a way that exemplifies the best of our police department. The actions of Officer Magnano do not measure up to those standards.”

— Arunan Arulampalam, Mayor of Hartford

“Steven had a mental health crisis. He needed a helping hand from the Hartford Police Department, but instead he got nine bullet holes in his body. That is a shame before God. And the status of your mental health and the color of your skin should not equal the death sentence.”

— Ben Crump, Lawyer for Jones' family

What’s next

The state inspector general's office is investigating the shooting and will determine whether to file criminal charges against Officer Magnano.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the critical need for police departments to prioritize de-escalation and crisis intervention training, especially when responding to calls involving individuals experiencing mental health issues. The firing of Officer Magnano is a necessary step, but broader reforms are needed to ensure all officers are equipped to handle these sensitive situations appropriately.