In a shocking turn of events on the morning of Friday, May 9, 2025, Hartford, Connecticut, was rocked by a violent altercation during a funeral at the Gospel Lighthouse Church on Main Street. What should have been a solemn occasion turned into a scene of chaos and fear when a fight broke out between two families, leading to gunfire and a stabbing. In the aftermath of the incident, Hartford Police identified 34-year-old Joshua Smellie as the suspect and arrested him later that evening in Waterbury.

This article will explore the details of the violent incident, the circumstances that led to the confrontation, the arrest of Joshua Smellie, and the broader impact of the tragedy on the Hartford community. It will also delve into the charges Smellie faces, the investigation that led to his arrest, and what authorities are doing to ensure justice is served. The shooting and stabbing serve as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked violence and the pressing need for measures to prevent such incidents.

The Violent Incident: A Funeral Turned into Chaos

The shooting and stabbing incident occurred during a funeral at the Gospel Lighthouse Church, a religious establishment on Main Street in Hartford. The church, typically a place of reflection and mourning, became the site of violence when a fight broke out between two families attending the funeral service. According to Hartford Police Lieutenant Aaron Boisvert, the altercation escalated quickly, leading to multiple rounds of gunfire both inside and outside of the church.

Authorities received the call about the incident at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025. Police officers were immediately dispatched to the church, where they quickly entered the building and located the victims and suspects. Inside the church, the police found evidence of gunfire, including property damage and several spent shell casings. The chaos spilled outside the church as well, where more rounds were fired into the air.

The shooting and stabbing happened in the midst of a large crowd, with approximately 150 people present inside the church at the time of the altercation. According to police reports, the majority of the attendees rushed outside after hearing the gunshots, with some potentially being caught in the crossfire as they fled the scene. Despite the heavy gunfire, fortunately, no one was killed. The victims, a woman and a man, both sustained injuries, though they were not life-threatening.

The Victims: Injured but Expected to Recover

Two people were injured in the shooting and stabbing incident. The first victim, a woman, suffered a graze wound from a bullet. She was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, where she was later reported to be in stable condition. The second victim, a man, was stabbed during the altercation and was also taken to the hospital. Authorities confirmed that both victims’ injuries were not life-threatening, and both were expected to recover from their wounds.

While both victims were fortunate to survive the attack, the emotional and psychological toll of experiencing such violence at a funeral is immeasurable. Funerals, meant to provide closure and support, were transformed into a scene of fear and distress. The families of the victims, as well as other attendees, were left grappling with the trauma of witnessing such violence in a place of worship.

The Arrest of Joshua Smellie: A Suspect in Custody

In the hours following the shooting and stabbing, Hartford Police worked quickly to gather evidence and identify the individuals responsible for the violence. Through witness statements, surveillance footage, and physical evidence from the scene, the police were able to determine that 34-year-old Joshua Smellie was the primary suspect in the incident.

Smellie, a resident of Hartford, fled the scene following the altercation, but authorities quickly launched an intensive search for him. By Friday night, Smellie was located in Waterbury, a city approximately 20 miles southwest of Hartford. Police arrested Smellie without incident and took him into custody.

Smellie was formally charged with several serious offenses in connection with the shooting and stabbing. The charges include:

• Assault in the First Degree: A charge brought against Smellie due to the severity of the injuries inflicted upon the victims.
• Criminal Possession of a Firearm: Since Smellie was allegedly armed during the shooting, this charge reflects the illegal possession of the weapon.
• Criminal Use of a Firearm: This charge addresses the use of the firearm in the commission of the crime.
• Risk of Injury to a Minor: Given that there were children present at the funeral, this charge reflects the reckless endangerment of minors.
• Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree: A charge that reflects the reckless nature of firing a weapon in a public space, endangering the lives of others.
• Assault on an Elderly Person in the Third Degree: This charge relates to any elderly individuals who may have been caught up in the violence during the altercation.

At the time of his arrest, Smellie was being held on a $1,000,000 cash-only bond, reflecting the severity of the charges against him. The fact that he voluntarily surrendered to authorities may be an indication that he is cooperating with the investigation, but the details surrounding his arrest and statements to police remain unclear.

The Investigation: Understanding the Motive Behind the Shooting

The investigation into the shooting and stabbing incident is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to piece together the events that led to the violence at the funeral. While the initial information points to a confrontation between two families, police are still working to uncover the underlying cause of the altercation.

One of the key questions in the investigation is the relationship between the suspect, Joshua Smellie, and the victims. Did Smellie have any prior conflicts or animosity with the individuals involved? What sparked the altercation during a moment meant for mourning and reflection? Investigators are examining these questions to understand what led to the tragic turn of events.

The possibility of gang affiliations, personal grudges, or other underlying tensions between the families involved is also being explored. While there is no definitive information yet regarding the exact nature of the altercation, the violence at a funeral suggests that the dispute between the families may have been longstanding, culminating in a deadly confrontation.

In addition to interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage, investigators are also looking at Smellie’s criminal background, if any, to determine if there are any previous offenses that could shed light on his involvement in this violent act. The investigation also includes a review of the weapon used in the shooting, as authorities have not yet confirmed whether it was legally obtained or how Smellie gained access to it.

The Community’s Response: Grief, Concern, and Calls for Justice

The shooting and stabbing incident has left the Hartford community reeling. Funerals, meant to provide closure and peace, have now been overshadowed by violence, leaving the families and friends of the victims searching for answers. The presence of children and elderly attendees at the funeral further compounds the trauma of the event, highlighting the far-reaching effects of gun violence on the community.

Friends and family members of the victims have expressed their grief and sorrow on social media, mourning the loss of loved ones and demanding justice for those responsible. Many have shared memories of the victims, and several local activists have called for stronger efforts to prevent gun violence in the community. The violent act has sparked a renewed conversation about the prevalence of firearms and violence in Hartford and the need for stronger measures to address these issues.

Gun violence remains a pervasive issue in many U.S. cities, and Hartford is no exception. While the city has historically been known for its vibrant communities and rich history, recent years have seen an uptick in violent crime. Residents are now calling for stronger gun control laws, increased police presence, and more community-based intervention programs to prevent violence before it happens.

The Legal Process: What’s Next for Joshua Smellie?

Joshua Smellie’s arrest is the first step in the legal process that will unfold in the coming months. With the serious charges brought against him, including first-degree assault and reckless endangerment, Smellie faces significant legal consequences if convicted.

Given the gravity of the charges, Smellie’s legal team will likely mount a defense, though it is unclear at this time what arguments will be made in his favor. The details surrounding the altercation, the nature of the violence, and the defense’s interpretation of self-defense laws will likely be central to the upcoming trial. As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge, potentially providing a clearer picture of what happened during the funeral and what motivated the deadly confrontation.

A Community in Mourning: The Need for Action Against Gun Violence

The shooting and stabbing incident at the Gospel Lighthouse Church has left the Hartford community grappling with grief and fear. While the immediate aftermath of the incident has led to the arrest of Joshua Smellie, the larger issue of gun violence in the city remains unresolved. As residents demand justice for the victims, they are also calling for more comprehensive efforts to address the root causes of violence and create safer communities for everyone.

Programs aimed at reducing gun violence, improving mental health services, and providing more opportunities for at-risk youth are essential steps toward preventing future tragedies like the one that occurred at the funeral. While law enforcement plays a critical role in bringing perpetrators to justice, community engagement, education, and support services are crucial components of a long-term solution to gun violence.

Conclusion: A Community Left to Heal

The tragic shooting at the Gospel Lighthouse Church has left the Hartford community in mourning, but it has also sparked important conversations about public safety and the need for stronger efforts to reduce violence. As Joshua Smellie faces the legal consequences of his actions, the community is united in calling for justice and change. While the investigation continues, the hope remains that the memory of the victims will inspire meaningful action to address gun violence and make Hartford a safer place for all residents.