Crime & Safety
Funeral Becomes Violent In Hartford: Reports
One person was shot, another stabbed during a melee at a funeral service in a Hartford church.
HARTFORD, CT — A solemn funeral service in Hartford Friday morning deteriorated into violence after one person was stabbed and another shot.
According to WFSB Channel 3, the incident happened Friday morning at the Gospel Lighthouse Church on Main Street in Hartford.
Citing the Hartford Police Department, WFSB reported that a fight broke out between two families during the funeral.
Find out what's happening in Greater Hartfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
WTNH Channel 8 said that, as a result, one person was stabbed and another shot during the melee, with two taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
In an update, on Saturday, Hartford police charged Joshua Smellie, 34, of Hartford, with first-degree assault, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal use of a firearm, risk of injury, first-degree reckless endangerment, and third-degree assault on an elderly person, WFSB 3 TV reported. He is being held in lieu of a $1 million bond. WFSB 3 TV reported that the investigation is still continuing.
Find out what's happening in Greater Hartfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
State Sen. Paul Cicarella, R-North Haven, and State Sen. Stephen Harding, R-Brookfield, today issued a joint statement regarding today’s shooting and stabbing.
“Mayhem. National news-making lawlessness. Extreme violence in a sacred space. We appreciate Hartford police for their quick response to restore order, but they may need help going forward. We urge the governor to have immediate discussions about whether additional state law enforcement resources are needed in Hartford," according to the lawmaker's statement.
"We are too soft on violent crime in Connecticut. We must support our law enforcement and give them the tools and resources they need," the legislators said.
The lawmakers said they are working to pass policies at the State Capitol to:
- Improve recruitment and retention of law enforcement officers
- Empower law enforcement to hold lawbreakers accountable in conjunction with the court system to deter violent crime
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