A paramedic was tragically killed by a patient during a routine check on a woman walking along a freeway in Kansas City.
While attending to a woman in his ambulance, 29-year-old firefighter paramedic Graham Hoffman was fatally stabbed in the heart, leading to his death on Sunday. He was commended for his courageous commitment to service.
Authorities report that the deadly assault was executed by 39-year-old Shanetta Bossell while Hoffman was en route to a hospital.
She is presently confronted with multiple charges, including assault, resisting arrest, armed criminal conduct, and first-degree murder. A bond of $1 million has been set for her detention.
Early on Sunday morning, Kansas City police officers were dispatched to check on Bossell after she was seen walking along a stretch of highway near North Oak Trafficway, and the situation initially appeared to be quite calm.
Upon observing that she seemed disoriented but not threatening, the officers called for emergency medical services for further evaluation. Officials later clarified that Hoffman and his associate had responded to a ‘routine medical call.’
However, during transport to the hospital, Bossell brandished a knife. Hoffman was heard screaming in the back of the ambulance, prompting the driver to abruptly halt the vehicle.
According to the affidavit, Hoffman exclaimed, ‘She stabbed me in the heart.’ As chaos ensued, Bossell attempted to seize control of the ambulance, climbing into the driver’s seat and trying to flee as the doors swung open.
She bit the arm of a police officer who was pursuing the ambulance, necessitating that he strike her with his firearm to free her grip before subduing her.
Meanwhile, a second ambulance rushed to the scene to transport Hoffman to North Kansas City Hospital.
Despite the heroic efforts of KCFD paramedics, emergency room doctors, and surgeons, Firefighter Paramedic Graham Hoffman succumbed to his injuries in the intensive care unit.
Hoffman had served in the Kansas City Fire Department since 2022, and his death has deeply affected the department.
Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed, ‘At the young age of 29, Graham represented the highest ideals of Kansas City—selfless service to others.
His loss is particularly heartbreaking as it occurred while he was engaged in life-saving efforts.’ He further remarked, ‘This tragic incident highlights the daily risks faced by our first responders.’ Lucas emphasized the need for accountability, stating, ‘We will pursue responsibility not only for the suspect but also for any systemic failures that contributed to this tragedy.’
Members of the KCFD, many of whom are struggling with the enormity of this loss, have been provided with grief counseling.
Clay County prosecuting attorney Zachary Thompson remarked during a press conference on Sunday night, ‘Our community mourns the loss of such a young individual with a promising future ahead of him.’
He asserted, ‘Let me be unequivocal: Our office will employ every legal, moral, and ethical means available to secure justice for Graham, his family, and the entire community.’
In a separate incident involving resisting arrest and alleged assault on a police officer, Bossell had been released on bond just two days earlier, as indicated in court documents.
Bossell has since been taken into custody and charged with second-degree assault in that case. Authorities have not provided further information regarding her mental condition at the time of the offense, and the motivations behind her actions on Sunday remain unclear.
Prosecutors are currently deliberating whether to pursue the death penalty or a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Mayor Lucas appealed directly to the residents of Kansas City, urging them to extend their support to Hoffman’s family and colleagues during this challenging period.
Today, we express our sorrow over the passing of Firefighter Paramedic Graham Hoffman, a courageous public servant who devoted his life to assisting others,” stated Interim City Manager Kimiko Gilmore.
His bravery, empathy, and dedication to our community will always be remembered.
