Crime
Mother and her infant daughter killed in officer-involved shooting at Oval Spring Apartments in Independence
When police arrived, they encountered a woman reportedly holding a knife.
The family of a woman and her 4-month-old infant girl has confirmed that both were killed by police during an incident at the Oval Spring Apartments in Independence, Missouri, on Thursday afternoon.
Independence Police Chief Adam Dustman held a press conference Friday, confirming the fatal incident and calling it an “officer-involved shooting.
The incident unfolded near Larkspur Lane and M-291 Frontage Road when officers responded to a 911 call about a domestic disturbance with a potential assault.
When police arrived, they encountered a woman reportedly holding a knife.
According to the police, officers opened fire, resulting in the deaths of the woman and her infant daughter.
Chief Dustman did not specify the cause of death but did confirm that one officer discharged their weapon.
This officer, along with two other responding officers, has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard practice during such investigations.
The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office has stated that it is closely monitoring the independent investigation into the matter, handled by the Police Involved Investigation Team.
Dustman refrained from releasing the identities of the victims or additional details, and he would not confirm the child’s age. However, family members informed the public about the victims’ identities, noting the tragic loss of both mother and child.
Carrie Lufkin, property manager at Oval Spring Apartments, reported that the situation initially began as a domestic violence issue.
She confirmed that both the woman and her child died during the incident, though no officers were injured.
Chief Dustman emphasized that officers acted according to their training and protocol for handling a domestic disturbance involving a weapon.
In his statements, Chief Dustman also urged the community to take measures to protect children from violence and to report any warning signs of potential harm, stressing the importance of safely securing firearms in the home.
He acknowledged the incident’s profound impact on the community and extended condolences to the victims’ family.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the Independence Police Department is coordinating with Jackson County’s independent review team.
The police department and prosecutor’s office have assured the public that they will follow every measure to ensure a transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Ferndale, Mich. – The Ferndale Police Department is actively investigating a fatal shooting that occurred during the early morning hours of March 9, 2025.
At approximately 1:45 a.m., Ferndale Police dispatch received a report of gunfire near the intersection of 8 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue.
Just three minutes later, at 1:48 a.m., a second caller reported seeing an individual lying outside a Ford Escape in the roadway on the southbound Woodward Avenue bridge over 8 Mile.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 27-year-old male victim from Detroit who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the victim was driving southbound on Woodward Avenue when an unidentified suspect fired multiple shots into his vehicle, striking him.
The victim’s vehicle was found stopped on the roadway, with the victim lying outside upon officers’ arrival.
“This is a tragic and senseless act of violence, and our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” said Ferndale Police Chief Dennis Emmi. “Our department is fully committed to identifying and apprehending those responsible. We urge anyone with information to come forward to assist in bringing justice to the victim and his family.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details will be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the Ferndale Police Department’s Detective Bureau at 248-541-3650, extension 5.