Jaqhawn Walters, a 24-year-old Black male, was a celebrated basketball star with a promising future. Known affectionately as "JQ," he had graduated from Albertus Magnus College in New Haven in 2018, where he was a standout player, earning accolades such as D3Hoops.com All-American and GNAC Player of the Year. His talent was undeniable, and he had recently signed a contract to play professionally in Argentina, a dream he was on the verge of realizing.
Beyond the court, Jaqhawn was remembered for his infectious smile and larger-than-life personality, bringing joy to those who knew him. He was a beloved figure in his Hartford community, known for his kindness and positive energy.
On the afternoon of September 19, 2020, Jaqhawn's life was tragically cut short. Outside the Jam-Roc Jamaican Restaurant and Lounge on Main Street in Hartford, a dispute escalated into a brief physical altercation between Jaqhawn and another man, Jason Stone. Surveillance footage captured the confrontation, which was followed by Stone fatally shooting Jaqhawn. Friends rushed Jaqhawn to a nearby hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving. The news of his sudden and violent death sent shockwaves through his community, leaving friends and family heartbroken.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Jason Stone, then 33, of East Hartford, contacted the police, admitted his involvement, and turned himself in. He was subsequently arrested and charged with murder. The firearm suspected to have been used in the shooting was recovered from his vehicle. During his arraignment, Stone's legal counsel claimed he acted in self-defense, a claim that would be at the center of the legal proceedings that followed.
Despite the claim of self-defense, the investigation, which included witness statements and surveillance video, led prosecutors to argue against it. According to detectives, the video showed that after the initial physical encounter was broken up, Walters was walking away, and Stone had a clear path to safety. Instead, Stone retrieved a gun and re-engaged with Walters, shooting him. In April 2023, Jason Stone pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of first-degree manslaughter with a firearm. Two months later, in June 2023, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison, to be followed by 15 years of special parole.
