Victims Identified in Hartford Church Violence: Female Shot, Male Stabbed During Funeral at Gospel Lighthouse Apostolic Church

On the morning of Friday, May 9, 2025, a tragic and violent incident occurred at the Gospel Lighthouse Apostolic Church located at 2003 Main Street in Hartford, Connecticut. What was intended to be a solemn funeral service turned into a scene of chaos and fear as gunshots rang out and a stabbing occurred, resulting in multiple injuries. This article provides a detailed account of the events, the victims involved, the ongoing investigation, and the community’s response to this unsettling act of violence.

The Incident Unfolds

At approximately 10:27 a.m., Hartford Police received multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired inside the Gospel Lighthouse Apostolic Church during a funeral service. Officers responded promptly to the scene, where they discovered a chaotic situation involving both a shooting and a stabbing. Initial reports indicated that at least four individuals were injured, with two of them being transported to Saint Francis Hospital for medical treatment.

According to Hartford Police Lieutenant Aaron Boisvert, the female victim who had been shot left the scene before police arrived and later sought treatment at Saint Francis Hospital. Her injuries were described as non-life-threatening. Additionally, one or two individuals with minor facial injuries self-transported to the hospital. A male victim arrived at the hospital around 10:45 a.m. with a stab wound to his leg, which authorities confirmed was related to the earlier disturbance at the church.

Victims Identified

While the identities of the victims have not been officially released by the authorities, the Hartford Police Department has confirmed that at least four individuals were injured during the incident. The victims include:

• A female victim who was shot and later sought treatment at Saint Francis Hospital.
• A male victim who sustained a stab wound to his leg and was treated at the same hospital.
• One or two individuals with minor facial injuries who self-transported to the hospital.

The police have not disclosed the names of the victims, and the investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances leading to the violence.

Investigation and Evidence

Upon securing the scene, Hartford Police officers found critical evidence inside the church, including four shell casings recovered from within the building and one casing located just outside. This suggests that the shooting was contained within the church itself and likely escalated quickly during the service. The police have not yet confirmed whether the violence was premeditated or if it erupted spontaneously.

Authorities are reviewing available surveillance footage from inside and outside the church, which may provide crucial evidence to help piece together the events leading to the violence. The Hartford Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the shooting and stabbing to come forward. They have specifically asked for tips from individuals who might have witnessed the events or noticed anything suspicious before or after the incident.

Community Reaction

The violent disruption of a funeral service has left the Hartford community shaken and desperate for answers. Witnesses and nearby residents expressed shock and frustration, with some referring to the city as “Homicide Hartford” and calling for improved communication, community collaboration, and policing efforts.

Curtis Thomas, who was scheduled to perform at the funeral, received a call from his mother, who was inside the church, warning him to turn back due to the shooting. He expressed his disbelief and emotional turmoil over the incident, stating, “To turn into a day of fear and tragedy on top of grieving is… I don’t even know how to explain my emotions right now.”

Charmaine Rose, a city resident, stood under an awning to protect herself from the rain and watched the police activity across the street. When told someone was shot in the church during a funeral, she … .”

Charles Barrow, who was at a liquor store on the other side … expressed disbelief that someone was shot during … . “This don’t make no sense,” he … , adding that people are referring to the capital … .” He emphasized the need for more communication, collaboration, and community policing to address the violence.

Church’s Response

In the wake of the incident, local church leaders have called for increased safety measures and community engagement to prevent such tragedies in the future. Pastor Dexter Burke of Walk in the Light Church of God, located near the Gospel Lighthouse Apostolic Church … expressed concern over the frequency of violence in the area. He advocated for a stronger police presence and the establishment of a 24-hour block watch program involving residents, business owners, and church leaders to enhance community safety.

Pastor Burke emphasized the need for churches to play an active role in addressing the root causes of violence and supporting efforts to clean up the streets. He criticized the reliance on prayer vigils following homicides, stating that such actions have not produced transformative plans for violence prevention. Instead, he called for concrete actions to address the issue.

Ongoing Investigation

The Hartford Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and stabbing at the Gospel Lighthouse Apostolic Church. Detectives are working to determine the motive behind the violence and whether it was related to a personal dispute or another factor. The department is also reviewing surveillance footage from the church and surrounding areas to gather additional evidence.

As of now, no arrests have been made, and the police have not released further details about potential suspects. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in resolving this case.

Conclusion

The tragic events at the Gospel Lighthouse Apostolic Church on May 9, 2025, have left the Hartford community in shock and mourning. What was meant to be a day of remembrance and reflection turned into a scene of violence and fear. As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served and that measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

The identities of the victims have not been officially released, and the Hartford Police Department is working diligently to uncover the details surrounding the incident. In the meantime, residents and community leaders are coming together to support each other and advocate for a safer environment for all.

Further Information

For those seeking more information or wishing to assist in the investigation, the Hartford Police Department encourages individuals to contact their local precinct or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers. Community members are also urged to stay informed through local news outlets and participate in community meetings to discuss safety concerns and potential solutions.

As the situation develops, updates will be provided to keep the public informed about the progress of the investigation and any new developments related to the incident at the Gospel Lighthouse Apostolic Church.