2 More Charged In Connection With Violent Funeral In Hartford: PD

HARTFORD, CT — Police on Monday arrested two more people in connection with the May 9 melee at a funeral that left one person shot and another with a stab wound.

Kendra Faucette, 40, was charged on a warrant with second-degree assault and possession of a firearm, and Courtney Hawkins, 44, was charged on a warrant with criminal possession of a firearm, police said.

Both were taken into custody by the Hartford Police Fugitive Task Force.

Police previously charged Joshua Smellie, 34, with first-degree assault, risk of injury, assault on an elderly person, and firearm charges. He was arrested within hours of the incident.

The violence happened at the Gospel Lighthouse Apostolic Church on Main Street during a funeral service, according to police Lt. A. Boisvert.

A female victim suffered a “graze type gunshot wound,” while a male victim had a stab wound, police said.

Both were treated at area hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.

Police said an investigation revealed the violence stemmed from a fight between family members inside the church. It escalated into a “melee” and included gunfire and a stabbing, which happened in front of about 150 people who attended the service, according to police.

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Funeral Becomes Violent In Hartford: Reports