Hartford police have made two more arrests linked to the violent outburst during a funeral service at the Gospel Lighthouse Apostolic Church in May. The incident, which horrified the community, saw gunfire and a stabbing erupt in front of more than 150 mourners.
Latest Arrests and Charges
On Monday, August 4, authorities apprehended Kendra Faucette, 40, and Courtney Hawkins, 44.
- Kendra Faucette faces charges of second-degree assault and possession of a firearm.
- Courtney Hawkins has been charged with criminal possession of a firearm.
Both suspects were detained by the Hartford Police Fugitive Task Force. Their arrests follow the earlier detention of Joshua Smellie, 34, who was taken into custody hours after the incident and charged with multiple serious offenses, including first-degree assault and firearm violations. Police have confirmed that all three suspects played distinct roles in the outbreak of violence that marred the funeral service.
What Happened at the Funeral
The violence broke out on May 9 at the Gospel Lighthouse Apostolic Church on Main Street, Hartford. Investigators report that a heated dispute among family members escalated into a chaotic scene:
- Shots rang out inside and outside the church.
- A woman suffered a “graze” gunshot wound.
- A man was stabbed.
- Both victims, fortunately, survived and were treated at nearby hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.
According to police, the melee resulted from a personal confrontation that spiraled out of control in front of mourners gathered to pay their respects.
Community and Police Response
Police arrived at the scene within minutes, quickly securing the area and launching an in-depth investigation.
- Officers discovered evidence of gunfire both inside and outside the church.
- About 150 people witnessed the chaos, leading to widespread shock and concern.
- Detectives swiftly concluded that the attacks were not random but stemmed from a family feud.
Law enforcement officials have praised the swift response of the Hartford Police Violent Crimes Unit and the Fugitive Task Force, which were instrumental in identifying and detaining the suspects.
The Investigation Continues
While the recent arrests mark a major development, investigators emphasize that the case remains active. Police are still piecing together details of the altercation and have not ruled out further arrests. Community members are encouraged to come forward with any additional information that may aid the ongoing investigation.
Timeline Table
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| May 9, 2025 | Shooting and stabbing occur at funeral in Hartford |
| May 9-10 | Joshua Smellie arrested hours after the incident |
| August 4, 2025 | Kendra Faucette and Courtney Hawkins arrested |
Looking Ahead
The city continues to recover from the trauma of violence at what should have been a solemn occasion. Hartford police assure the public that they are working diligently to secure justice for those affected and restore a sense of safety to the community.
If you have relevant information regarding the incident, Hartford police encourage you to contact their tip line.
How do you feel about the recent developments in this case? Share your thoughts or questions below—your voice matters as Hartford continues to seek answers and healing.