On the late evening of June 1, 2023, 31-year-old Shadarean Ellison, a Black female, was shot and killed in Hartford, Connecticut. The incident occurred shortly before 10:50 p.m. in the area of the 100 block of Westland Street. At the time of the shooting, Ellison was standing with a group of people outside. An assailant reportedly walked up to the group and opened fire, shooting Ellison multiple times in what police have described as an "up close and personal" and targeted attack.
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second individual, a man in his 40s, was also wounded during the shooting. Both Ellison and the male victim were transported to Saint Francis Hospital in private vehicles. Tragically, Ellison was pronounced dead at the hospital. The male victim's injuries were reported as not life-threatening. Authorities have stated that it does not appear the male victim was the intended target of the shooter.
In the months following the deadly shooting, law enforcement officials arrested the wounded man, identified as 40-year-old Joseph Shannon, on charges unrelated to Ellison's death. His arrest was for criminal attempt of assault in the first degree, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and criminal possession of a firearm, as he was in possession of a weapon at the time of the incident and has a prior felony conviction. Police have clarified that Shannon is not considered the suspect in Shadarean Ellison's homicide. As of the latest available information, no suspect has been publicly identified or arrested in connection with her murder, and the investigation remains ongoing.
