34-Year-Old Joshua Smellie from Hartford Arrested After Shooting, Stabbing During Funeral
HARTFORD, CT — A somber funeral gathering turned into a scene of violence and chaos on Friday morning when gunfire and a stabbing erupted inside a packed church in Hartford. Authorities confirmed that 34-year-old Joshua Smellie of Hartford was arrested later that evening in Waterbury in connection with the incident.
The Hartford Police Department reported that the violence broke out around 11:00 a.m. at the Gospel Lighthouse Church located on Main Street, where approximately 150 mourners were attending a funeral service. According to police, an altercation between two families escalated quickly, resulting in both a shooting and a stabbing — sending waves of panic through the church.
“We know there were multiple rounds fired inside the church,” said Lt. Aaron Boisvert of the Hartford Police. “There was also gunfire outside of the church, multiple rounds. We have property damage inside, bullet holes, but thank God nobody was killed.”
Responding officers rushed into the church upon arrival, working urgently to locate victims and secure the scene. A woman who had been grazed by a bullet and a man with a stab wound were both transported to nearby hospitals and are expected to recover.
Lt. Boisvert explained, “While on scene, a female arrived at an area hospital suffering from a graze-type injury from a gunshot wound. About a half hour later, a man showed up with a stab wound. We’ve confirmed there was gunfire inside the church, with multiple rounds fired, and outside as well.”
Investigators remained at the scene for hours, gathering evidence from both inside and outside the church. Witnesses described chaotic moments as shots rang out and attendees scrambled for safety, rushing out of the building and into the street. Several cars and parts of the church building showed visible signs of bullet damage.
As the investigation unfolded, police worked to identify the individuals involved. By Friday night, authorities tracked down and arrested Joshua Smellie in Waterbury. Smellie, 34, now faces a series of serious charges related to the violent outbreak at the funeral.
According to police, Smellie is charged with:
- First-degree assault
- First-degree reckless endangerment
- Illegal discharge of a firearm
- Illegal possession of a firearm
- Carrying a pistol without a permit
- Risk of injury to a minor (if applicable)
- Breach of peace
Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody condemned the violence, particularly given the setting. “To have gunfire erupt in a house of worship during a funeral is just unthinkable. This is supposed to be a place of mourning, healing, and reflection — not a battleground.”
The motive behind the dispute remains under investigation, though police believe longstanding tensions between the families may have played a role. Authorities continue to interview witnesses and review surveillance footage from the area.
City leaders, clergy, and community members expressed outrage and sadness over the incident. Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin issued a statement, saying, “We cannot allow this kind of violence to tear apart our neighborhoods. To bring weapons into a church and endanger so many lives is beyond unacceptable. We will hold those responsible fully accountable.”
Officials are urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward and assist investigators.
Joshua Smellie is currently being held on bond and is expected to be arraigned early next week. Police have not ruled out additional arrests as they continue to piece together the events that led up to the violent confrontation.
For now, the Gospel Lighthouse Church community is left reeling, trying to make sense of how a funeral meant to honor a life lost became the site of even more bloodshed.