Fatal police‑involved shooting in Hartford sparks call for new limits on use of force
If approved, federal agents could face lawsuits for violating the new rules that would be enforced.
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A national civil rights attorney is pushing for new legislation following a fatal police shooting in Hartford earlier this year.
Attorney Ben Crump is advocating for the Stevie Jones Law, which would require police to prove they attempted non‑lethal force when dealing with someone experiencing a mental health crisis.
Crump represents the family of Stevie Jones, who was shot and killed by a Hartford police officer in February. Body camera video showed Jones holding a large knife and advancing toward officers before Officer Joseph Magnano arrived and fired nine rounds.
Jones’ sister says he was having a mental health episode at the time of the incident.
Under the proposal, officers would be required to show they tried non‑lethal options before using deadly force in similar situations.
If approved, violations of the new rules could expose federal agents to lawsuits.
