Seeking Justice After a Tragic Police Shooting During a Mental Health Crisis
BBB Attorneys represents the family seeking accountability after a fatal police response to a mental health crisis.
On February 19, 2026, a routine welfare check in Hartford turned into a devastating tragedy when police officers fatally shot 53-year-old Everard Walker, a Connecticut man experiencing a severe mental health crisis. Law enforcement had been called to assist mental health professionals conducting an evaluation at Walker’s Capitol Avenue apartment. According to police reports, Walker pulled a knife during the interaction, and an officer fired several shots, killing him at the scene.
In the days since, Walker’s family has stepped forward, expressing deep concerns about how the situation was handled. They argue that the police response escalated what should have been a medical intervention into a lethal encounter. During a press conference at Hartford City Hall on February 25, Walker’s family—represented by Ken Krayeske of BBB Attorneys—called the use of force “unnecessary” and stressed that the original call to 211 was intended to secure support, not a police arrest.
Attorney Krayeske emphasized that Walker’s loved ones had hoped for a compassionate, non-violent resolution to a medical crisis. He criticized the deployment of multiple armed officers and the decision to resort to lethal force rather than prioritizing de-escalation or non-lethal tools. According to Krayeske, the family’s goal is accountability and reform to prevent similar tragedies from unfolding in the future.
Now, Walker’s family is weighing a wrongful death lawsuit to address their concerns, challenging the city to reevaluate how police and mental health emergencies intersect. BBB Attorneys continue to advocate fiercely on behalf of the family, urging systemic change and justice for a man whose final moments were marred by a crisis that demanded care, not confrontation.
