On the evening of March 8, 2017, the life of 26-year-old Stephen M. Payne, a Black / African American male, was tragically cut short in Hartford, Connecticut. Gunshots echoed around his apartment at 45 Alan Green Way at approximately 9:15 p.m., prompting a police response. Officers arrived to a grim scene, discovering Payne inside a second-floor unit with multiple gunshot wounds to his torso.
Despite the immediate efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene by 9:34 p.m.
Investigators pieced together the chaotic moments, determining that gunfire had erupted both inside and outside the building. The city's gunfire detection system, ShotSpotter, registered three shots externally, but a greater number of shell casings were recovered, suggesting a more prolonged exchange of fire. In the initial stages of the investigation, identifying Payne proved challenging as he was found with multiple forms of identification. Ultimately, his identity was confirmed through fingerprint analysis. The area where the shooting occurred was not typically known for high crime.
Known affectionately as “Lil Stephen” or “40” by his family, Stephen was remembered for his vibrant personality, his big and bright smile, and his deep love for his family, especially his children. He had attended the University High School of Science and Engineering and was employed at Price Rite in Windsor. In the wake of his death, the community and his family were left grappling with the senseless loss of a man described as loving, fun, and witty.
Despite the investigation by the Hartford Police Department's Major Crimes Division, no suspects were immediately identified, and no weapons were recovered from the scene. As of early 2025, the murder of Stephen Payne remains unsolved. His case is now in the hands of the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice's Cold Case Unit, which continues to seek any information that could lead to an arrest and bring closure to his grieving family and friends.
