Hartford’s top prosecutor has determined that four fatal, police-involved shootings in recent years were justified.
State’s Attorney Gail Hardy released her office's long-delayed investigations into the fatal shootings of Joseph Bak in 2008, Taurean Wilson in 2009, Edmanuel Reyes in 2011 and Ernesto Morales in 2012 on Friday. In each case, she said the officers' use of deadly force was appropriate and that her office would not be taking further action.
Hardy apologized for the amount of time it took to complete the reports, which are required under state law. She didn't say what caused the delay but promised future investigations will be completed more timely.
Hardy said her office's investigation into the April 20, 2019, fatal shooting of Anthony Vega Cruz in Wethersfield, Connecticut is ongoing.
The report backlog had prompted an inquiry by Chief State Attorney Kevin Kane.
Last month, he recommended the state's Criminal Justice Commission, which oversees prosecutors, meet with Hardy to address the issue before considering any official reprimand.
