Southington Man Sentenced for 2020 Hartford Shooting

The 43-year-old was involved in a violent altercation and later found with a gun and drugs.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:37am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Southington man was sentenced to over 2 years in federal prison for gun and drug offenses related to a 2020 shooting incident in Hartford. Eric D. Cox, 43, was involved in a violent altercation where he was slashed with a knife, then pulled out a firearm and fired multiple shots at the person who slashed him and others nearby, with a bystander being struck. Police later recovered the gun and found cocaine in Cox's vehicle.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing issues with gun violence and drug crimes in the Hartford area, as well as the challenges of repeat offenders and the complex dynamics that can lead to violent incidents in urban settings.

The details

According to trial evidence, the incident occurred on September 4, 2020 near Hartford Hospital. Cox was involved in a violent altercation during which he was slashed with a knife. He then pulled out a firearm and fired multiple shots at the person who slashed him and others nearby, with a bystander being struck. Hartford police recovered several cartridge casings at the scene on Jefferson Street. A hospital employee later found a discarded .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol outside the emergency department entrance and alerted authorities. A search of Cox's vehicle uncovered a bag containing approximately 28 grams of cocaine. Forensic testing found Cox's DNA on the firearm.

  • The incident occurred on September 4, 2020 near Hartford Hospital.
  • Cox was sentenced on April 6, 2026.

The players

Eric D. Cox

A 43-year-old Southington man who was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of cocaine related to the 2020 Hartford shooting incident.

David X. Sullivan

The U.S. attorney for Connecticut who announced the sentencing of Eric D. Cox.

Judge Victor A. Bolden

The U.S. District Court judge who imposed the 29-month prison sentence on Eric D. Cox.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This case highlights ongoing issues with gun violence and drug crimes in the Hartford area, as well as the challenges of repeat offenders and the complex dynamics that can lead to violent incidents in urban settings.”

— David X. Sullivan, U.S. Attorney for Connecticut

What’s next

Cox is scheduled to report to prison on August 6, 2026.

The takeaway

This sentencing underscores the need for continued efforts to address gun violence, drug crimes, and repeat offenders in order to improve public safety in Hartford and other urban communities.