Ida Hawkins-Green, Joshua Smellie, and the Hartford Funeral Tragedy: A Deep Dive into the May 9, 2025, Gospel Lighthouse Church Shooting and Stabbing Incident
On the morning of Friday, May 9, 2025, Hartford, Connecticut, was shaken by a violent incident during a funeral at the Gospel Lighthouse Apostolic Church on Main Street. What was meant to be a solemn occasion to honor the life of 89-year-old Ida Hawkins-Green, affectionately known as “Mother Green,” turned into a scene of chaos and fear when a confrontation between family members escalated into gunfire and a stabbing. The altercation left one woman with a graze-type gunshot wound and a man with a stab wound. Both victims were treated at a hospital and are expected to recover. The suspect, 34-year-old Joshua Smellie, was arrested later that evening in Waterbury and faces multiple charges, including first-degree assault, criminal possession and use of a firearm, risk of injury, reckless endangerment, and assault on an elderly person.
This article delves into the details of the violent incident, the circumstances leading to the confrontation, the arrest of Joshua Smellie, and the broader impact of the tragedy on the Hartford community. It also examines the charges Smellie faces, the investigation that led to his arrest, and the measures authorities are taking to ensure justice is served.
II. The Tragic Event: A Funeral Turned to Violence
A. The Setting
The Gospel Lighthouse Apostolic Church, located on Main Street in Hartford, is a place of worship and community gathering. On May 9, 2025, approximately 150 people gathered at the church to attend the funeral service for Ida Hawkins-Green. Known for her deep faith and large family, “Mother Green” had touched many lives in the Hartford community. Her passing was a significant loss, and the church service was intended to celebrate her life and legacy.
B. The Confrontation
Around 10:00 a.m., as the funeral service was set to begin, a dispute broke out between family members inside the church. The argument quickly escalated into a physical altercation, with multiple individuals involved. According to Hartford Police Lieutenant Aaron Boisvert, the confrontation led to gunfire and at least one stabbing. The chaos spilled outside the church, where more rounds were fired into the air.
Emergency responders, including Hartford police and firefighters, were dispatched to the scene. However, by the time authorities arrived, the victims had already left for the hospital. The female victim, who had suffered a graze-type gunshot wound, and the male victim, who had been stabbed, were both treated at a local hospital and are expected to recover from their injuries.
III. The Arrest of Joshua Smellie
A. Identification and Pursuit
Following the incident, Hartford police launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the violence. Authorities identified 34-year-old Joshua Smellie as a suspect in the case. Later that evening, Smellie was located in Waterbury and taken into custody without incident.
B. Charges
Joshua Smellie faces multiple charges in connection with the funeral altercation. These charges include:
- First-degree assault: For causing serious physical injury to another person.
- Criminal possession and use of a firearm: For possessing and using a firearm during the commission of a crime.
- Risk of injury: For placing others in a situation where they could be harmed.
- Reckless endangerment: For recklessly engaging in conduct that creates a risk of serious physical injury.
- Assault on an elderly person: For causing physical injury to an elderly individual.
Smellie is currently held on a $1 million bond at the Hartford Police Detention Facility. Authorities continue to investigate the incident and are urging anyone with information to contact the Hartford Police tip line at 860-722-TIPS (8477).
IV. The Victims: Ida Hawkins-Green and Her Family
A. Ida Hawkins-Green
Ida Hawkins-Green, affectionately known as “Mother Green,” was an 89-year-old matriarch whose life was celebrated during the funeral service. Her obituary highlights her extensive family legacy, including three sons, one stepson, three daughters, 56 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, 15 great-great-grandchildren, and six great-great-great-grandchildren. Her passing marked the end of an era for her family and the community.
B. The Injured Victims
While the identities of the two individuals who sustained injuries during the altercation have not been publicly disclosed, they were both treated at a local hospital and are expected to recover from their injuries. The female victim suffered a graze-type gunshot wound, while the male victim sustained a stab wound.
V. The Broader Impact on the Hartford Community
The violent incident at the Gospel Lighthouse Apostolic Church has had a profound impact on the Hartford community. What was meant to be a day of mourning and remembrance turned into a tragic event that has left residents shaken and searching for answers.
Community members have expressed shock and frustration over the incident. Some have referred to Hartford as “Homicide Hartford,” highlighting the city’s struggles with violence and crime. The tragedy has sparked conversations about the need for improved communication, collaboration, and community policing to prevent future incidents.
Local leaders and residents are calling for increased efforts to address the root causes of violence and to create safer environments for all members of the community. The incident has underscored the importance of fostering strong community ties and working together to build a more peaceful and supportive city.
VI. The Investigation and Legal Proceedings
A. Ongoing Investigation
The Hartford Police Department continues to investigate the events surrounding the funeral altercation. Authorities are reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and gathering information to build a comprehensive understanding of the incident. The investigation remains active, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
B. Legal Proceedings
Joshua Smellie’s arrest marks the beginning of the legal process. He faces multiple serious charges, and the court proceedings will determine the appropriate legal consequences. The community is closely watching the case, as it holds significance not only for the victims and their families but also for the broader efforts to address violence in Hartford.
VII. Conclusion
The tragic events of May 9, 2025, at the Gospel Lighthouse Apostolic Church serve as a stark reminder of the potential for violence to disrupt even the most sacred of occasions. The altercation during Ida Hawkins-Green’s funeral has left the Hartford community grappling with questions about safety, justice, and the underlying issues contributing to violence.
As the investigation continues and legal proceedings unfold, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served and that steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. The legacy of “Mother Green” lives on through her extensive family and the many lives she touched, and her memory serves as a beacon for the community to come together in the face of adversity.
