Death by Cop 2022-2024
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Destinii Hope
Gender : Female
Age : 0.3
Race : White
Date : 11/08/2024
Location : Larkspur Lane
City : Independence
County : Jackson
State : Missouri
Agency : Independence Police Department
Officer(s) :Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Bystander killed by police shooting
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On November 7, 2024, 3-month-old Destinii Hope and her mother Maria Pike, was killed by Independence police officers during a response to a mental health crisis. Authorities claim Pike posed a threat, stating that she was holding a knife during the encounter. Her infant daughter, Destinii Hope, was also killed in the incident. The case is under investigation, and the exact number of shots fired or the officer responsible has not yet been disclosed.
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Mitchell Holder, Maria's boyfriend and the baby’s father, recounted the traumatic events. He described the police entering their apartment and an officer firing a weapon, killing both Maria and Destinii. Holder claimed he did not personally see Maria holding a knife, as police allege. He is deeply traumatized and expressed deep grief and demanded accountability for what he described as an unjust act by the officer.
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Maria’s twin sister, Nina Book, shared emotional memories of Maria, highlighting her love for children and resilience despite postpartum struggles. Nina criticized the police’s actions, alleging that their lack of compassion led to the deaths, and revealed her belief that the baby was shot first. She mourned the loss of her sister and niece, recounting her last conversation with Maria, who had expressed joy about her new baby and a determination to provide a better life for her. Nina traveled to Missouri for the funeral and to visit the site of the tragedy, describing her anguish and the close bond she shared with Maria. Both family members continue to call for justice and accountability as the investigation, led by Blue Springs Police Department, remains ongoing. Maria and her twin sister were immigrants from Russia.
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TOTAL CASUALTIES DURING THIS POLICE ENCOUNTER: 2 dead.
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Update: 11/23/2024 --The Independence Police Department has released few details, with the police chief confirming the deaths but refusing to clarify whether officers contributed to the child's death. Three officers involved have been placed on administrative leave while the incident is under investigation. Information regarding the events and the investigation remains limited.
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INVESTIGATION: The investigation into the fatal shooting involving Maria Pike and her infant daughter, Destinii Hope, on November 13, 2024, in Independence, Missouri, is being led by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. The incident is also under review by the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP).
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Last update: 11/27/2024
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.kmbc.com/article/independence-missouri-shooting-larkspur-lane/62843985
https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article295217139.html
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-baby-destinys-funeral-costs
https://www.tonyskansascity.com/2024/11/independence-vigil-honors-mom-baby-girl-killed-in-police-shooting.html
https://www.hamiltoncountycoc.com/blog/2024/11/15/maria-pike-domestic-dispute-shooting
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BWC video released:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImB6Hz8i1jg
