HARTFORD, CT — What began as a solemn gathering to honor the life of an 89-year-old community matriarch turned into a scene of chaos and violence Friday morning, after a family altercation during a funeral service escalated into both a shooting and a stabbing.
Police say the incident occurred shortly after 10 a.m. at the Gospel Lighthouse Apostolic Church on Main Street in Hartford, where more than 150 mourners had assembled to remember Ida Hawkins-Green, a beloved grandmother and pillar of the city’s North End.
Family Dispute Sparks Violence
According to arrest records and eyewitness accounts, the confrontation began when 34-year-old Joshua Smellie of Bridgeport confronted his 65-year-old aunt during the service. The dispute reportedly stemmed from accusations over missing jewelry belonging to the deceased.
Witnesses say Smellie became physically aggressive, allegedly punching his aunt in the face during the service. The situation quickly spiraled when Smellie pulled out a firearm and fired at least one shot inside the church. A woman standing nearby was grazed by a bullet. In the midst of the panic, another male attendee was stabbed twice in an unrelated confrontation that broke out simultaneously.
Both the shooting and stabbing victims were taken to area hospitals and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency responders arrived at the scene within minutes, but Smellie had already fled.
Suspect Arrested and Charged
Later that evening, Hartford police, in coordination with officers in Waterbury, located and arrested Smellie without incident. He was transported back to Hartford and formally charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree assault, criminal possession of a firearm, reckless endangerment, unlawful discharge of a firearm, risk of injury to a minor, and assault on an elderly person.
During his arraignment in Hartford Superior Court, Smellie was held on a $1 million bond. Prosecutors emphasized the disturbing nature of the violence—particularly that it occurred during a religious service and targeted a family member.
Smellie, a father of four, appeared in court wearing a white T-shirt and jeans. His public defender declined to comment, but indicated he would not be able to post bond.
Community Shock and Mourning
News of the violent disruption stunned attendees and the broader Hartford community. Ida Hawkins-Green, the woman whose funeral was being held, had been a long-time community advocate and foster parent to dozens of children throughout her life.
“This was a service meant to honor a woman who gave everything to this community,” said Curtis Thomas, a family friend and musician scheduled to perform at the service. “To see it end in bloodshed is beyond heartbreaking.”
Church officials and local leaders have decried the violence and called for deeper investments in community mental health and family mediation services.
Investigation Ongoing
Hartford Police continue to investigate both the stabbing and the shooting. While Smellie has been charged in connection with the shooting, authorities are still seeking information regarding the individual responsible for the stabbing incident.
“We are asking anyone who witnessed the events or has video footage to please come forward,” said Hartford Police Lt. Aaron Boisvert. “This was a horrific event that traumatized dozens of people gathered to say goodbye to a loved one.”
Tips can be submitted anonymously to the Hartford Police Tip Line at 860-722-TIPS (8477).
As the community grieves both the loss of Hawkins-Green and the violence that overshadowed her memorial, city officials are expected to host a public safety forum in the coming days to address ongoing concerns about conflict resolution and firearms access in emotionally charged situations.
