Hartford, Conn. — Newly released body‑worn Bodycam footage and preliminary reports from the Connecticut Office of Inspector General (OIG) reveal that the police officer who fatally shot 55‑year-old Steven Jones did not have a Taser on his person at the time of the shooting, even as other officers at the scene repeatedly asked whether another Taser was available.
Jones, who was reported to be experiencing a mental health crisis, was shot nine times by Police Officer Joseph Magnano last Friday on Blue Hills Avenue after officers were called to the area following a 911 call from a family member concerned for his safety.
Bodycam footage shows that the first officer to arrive, Officer Josue Charles, attempted to subdue Jones with a Taser, deploying it multiple times in under a minute. Despite being struck by the device, Jones remained standing and continued to hold a large knife, rendering the Taser ineffective.
As additional officers responded, including Officers James Prignano and Jackeline Torres, they attempted to engage Jones with verbal commands, urging him to drop the knife. At least once, Torres can be heard on her body camera asking other officers if anyone had an extra Taser available.
Officer Magnano, who would later fire his weapon, confirmed in the footage that he did not have a Taser. Moments later, as Jones continued toward him while still armed, Magnano fired nine shots, striking Jones in the middle of the street.
Jones was taken to a local hospital in critical condition following the shooting.
On Tuesday, hospital officials confirmed that he died from his injuries, according to updated preliminary reports.
Officer Magnano has been placed on administrative leave as investigators with the OIG and the Connecticut State Police continue to examine the incident, including whether police actions were consistent with training and departmental policies.
The release of the footage has sparked community concern and criticism, particularly over law enforcement’s handling of individuals in mental health crises.
Leaders from the Connecticut chapter of the NAACP expressed shock and disappointment, saying they saw little evidence of de‑escalation in the moments leading up to the shooting.
This incident comes less than two weeks after another police‑involved shooting in Hartford involving a man in mental distress, intensifying calls for reforms in how police handle such calls.
Residents and advocacy groups have organized protests and demanded increased transparency, improved training, and better non‑lethal options for officers responding to mental health emergencies.
Investigation Continues
The Connecticut Office of Inspector General continues its investigation into the shooting. A more comprehensive report, with findings and recommendations, is expected once investigators review all bodycam footage, radio traffic, and witness accounts.