In a deeply troubling incident, the family of Everard Walker is preparing to file a lawsuit against the Hartford Police Department. They allege mishandling of a mental health evaluation that tragically ended with Walker being shot and killed by an officer.
During a press conference at Hartford City Hall, family members, alongside attorney Ken Krayeske, urged city officials to engage with them to reach a resolution and potentially avoid a wrongful death lawsuit. This follows the fatal shooting of the 53-year-old Walker in his Capitol Avenue apartment.
Footage released by the Connecticut Office of Inspector General depicts Walker raising a knife at police before Officer Alexander Clifford fired the fatal shots.
“They took my world,” said Linda Gray, Walker’s wife of 29 years. Overcome with emotion, Gray struggled to deliver her prepared statement, which was completed by Walker’s brother. Gray described Walker as a “humble man” who provided for their five children, emphasizing the profound loss she feels.
Walker had been on medication since an incident last fall involving a “laced cigarette” that led to a drug-induced psychosis and an involuntary psychiatric hospitalization. This event caused him to miss his stepdaughter’s funeral. The family, however, did not disclose specific details about his medication or mental health conditions.
Before the shooting, Walker’s family reached out to 211 for help after he ran out of medication. They specifically avoided calling 911, fearing police involvement would escalate the situation. Krayeske emphasized that the family did not view Walker as being in crisis and had instructed 211 not to involve the police.
Despite these instructions, social workers from the Capitol Region Mental Health Center sought police assistance. The situation escalated, with approximately 11 officers eventually present at the scene. Walker’s family, including his wife and children, were outside the apartment, pleading with officers to leave, fearing a tragic outcome.
“We just wanted help,” Gray stated. “We wanted an evaluation.
We did not call police. We wanted a doctor.”
A preliminary report by Inspector General Eliot Prescott reveals that officers initially retreated from Walker’s apartment due to concerns about boiling water being thrown at them. They later reentered when Walker attempted to close the door while being restrained by his son. A confrontation ensued, during which Walker allegedly brandished a knife, described by Krayeske as a “Jamaican knife.”
Walker was shot by Officer Clifford after allegedly raising the knife at Officer Geovanny Rivera. Walker was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Krayeske criticized the police response, questioning why nonlethal measures like a beanbag gun or taser were not used. He described the incident as a preventable tragedy.
Body camera footage released by Inspector General Prescott includes short clips and still images showing Walker with a knife. Krayeske expressed skepticism about the investigation’s transparency, noting that only brief segments of the encounter have been shared.
The family’s distrust of authorities is compounded by a history of officer-involved shootings of Black individuals, adding Walker’s name to a grim list that includes George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.
Krayeske urged Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam to engage with the family to prevent a lengthy and painful lawsuit process. Without a response, Krayeske intends to proceed with legal action.
The mayor’s office has yet to comment on the situation.