Maria Pike and Destinii Hope die in fatal Independence shooting involving police
Maria Pike and Destinii Hope die in fatal Independence shooting involving police
Fatal Independence shooting death of Maria Pike and Destinii Hope – Obituary
Maria Pike, 34, and her infant daughter, Destinii Hope, just two months old, tragically lost their lives during a police-involved incident at Oval Spring Apartments in Independence, Missouri. The Blue Springs Police Department, through Captain Kyle Flowers, identified the victims and confirmed that the Independence Police Department is under investigation in the case. Flowers, who leads the eastern Jackson County Police Incident Investigation Team, stated that footage from body-worn cameras had been reviewed and that additional interviews were planned.
According to Independence Police Chief Adam Dustman, an officer opened fire, stating Pike was armed with a knife. Witnesses, including assistant property manager Gavin Delaney, described the officer rushing to carry the injured Destinii to his police vehicle to get her immediate medical assistance.
As the investigation progresses, support is being offered to those affected. Property Manager Carrie Lufkin arranged for nearby Comprehensive Mental Health Services to provide counseling sessions at the apartment clubhouse. Julie Pratt of Comprehensive Mental Health Services encouraged residents to seek support and maintain routines during this difficult time.
The family, including Destinii’s grandparents, Brian and Talisa Coombs, shared that Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker has offered them counseling services, and Destinii’s aunt, Felisha Holder, has set up a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses. A candlelight vigil and a purple and white balloon release are scheduled outside the apartment on Friday at 7 p.m. in memory of Maria and Destinii.
Maria Pike and Destinii Hope die in fatal Independence shooting involving police Fatal Independence shooting death of Maria Pike and Destinii Hope – Obituary Maria Pike, 34, and her infant daughter, Destinii Hope, just two months old, tragically lost their lives during a police-involved incident at Oval Spring Apartments in Independence, Missouri. The Blue Springs…
Maria Pike and Destinii Hope die in fatal Independence shooting involving police Fatal Independence shooting death of Maria Pike and Destinii Hope – Obituary Maria Pike, 34, and her infant daughter, Destinii Hope, just two months old, tragically lost their lives during a police-involved incident at Oval Spring Apartments in Independence, Missouri. The Blue Springs…