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Hartford Officer Charged with Manslaughter After Knife Shooting

6/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Officer Joseph Magnano was arraigned on a manslaughter charge for shooting Steven Jones, a 55-year-old man, in Hartford.
On Feb. 27 Magnano fired nine shots 30 seconds after leaving his cruiser, after officers urged Jones to drop a knife.
Inspector General Eliot Prescott filed the charge and said Jones was not an imminent threat.
The police union defended Magnano, filed grievances for reinstatement, and claimed he was criminalized for following training.

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Story summary

Officer Joseph Magnano was arraigned on a manslaughter charge for shooting Steven Jones, a 55-year-old man, in Hartford.
On Feb. 27 Magnano fired nine shots 30 seconds after leaving his cruiser, after officers urged Jones to drop a knife.
Inspector General Eliot Prescott filed the charge and said Jones was not an imminent threat.
The police union defended Magnano, filed grievances for reinstatement, and claimed he was criminalized for following training.