Crime
3-month-old Destiny Hope and her mother shot and killed by Independence Police officers at Oval Spring Apartments
No arrests were made at the scene, and Independence Police stated that no officers were injured.
During a press conference on Friday, Independence Police Chief Adam Dustman confirmed that a woman and her 3-month-old daughter, Destiny Hope, were tragically killed in an officer-involved shooting at an apartment complex near Larkspur Lane and M-291 Frontage Road on Thursday afternoon.
Chief Dustman explained that officers initially responded to a 911 call reporting a domestic disturbance, which indicated a possible assault.
Upon arrival, officers found the woman armed with a knife, leading to an escalation that culminated in gunfire.
Dustman did not specify the exact cause of death for either the woman or the infant, but he did confirm that an officer fired at least one shot.
Following protocol, the officer involved, as well as two additional responding officers, have been placed on administrative leave while the case is under investigation.
Dustman noted that the officer who discharged their firearm is a seasoned member of law enforcement and reiterated that officers adhered to standard procedures and training during the incident.
No arrests were made at the scene, and Independence Police stated that no officers were injured.
Carrie Lufkin, the property manager of the Oval Spring Apartments, stated that the situation had originally escalated from a domestic violence incident and that the woman and her baby ultimately lost their lives.
The Police-Involved Investigation Team was immediately activated to handle the case, and the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office also issued a statement confirming their involvement.
Representatives from the prosecutor’s office visited the scene and met with the independent investigation team, which will conduct witness interviews and review physical evidence, including body camera footage, to determine the exact sequence of events.
In his remarks, Chief Dustman urged the community to remain vigilant in reporting warning signs of domestic violence and to practice firearm safety within households to help prevent such tragedies.
Crime
Two Children, Ages 9 and 10, Charged in Brutal Assault and Attempted Murder of 5-Year-Old A’Marie Jones in Cleveland
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Two children, ages 9 and 10, have been formally charged in connection with the brutal assault and attempted murder of a 5-year-old girl A’marie Jones in Cleveland last month, according to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors confirmed that the 9-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl are facing serious felony charges, including attempted murder, rape, felonious assault, kidnapping, and strangulation.
Because of their ages, both suspects are being charged as juveniles.
The alleged attack occurred on September 13 in a field near East 148th Street and St. Clair Avenue, where investigators say the young victim was discovered severely injured.
The child’s mother, Antavia Kennibrew, previously told that her daughter suffered catastrophic injuries, describing the scene as “unbelievable.” Kennibrew said she had dropped her daughter off at a relative’s home near East 145th Street and St. Clair Avenue that day.
At some point, the 5-year-old reportedly wandered out of the house alone before being attacked.
“When I saw her, she was unrecognizable,” Kennibrew said. “Her hair was scalped from her head. She had bruises and blood all over her body. Her eyes were filled with blood, her lips and mouth were swollen and bleeding, and her nails were filled with dirt and debris.”
First responders rushed the child to the hospital for emergency treatment. Officials say she continues to recover but has suffered severe physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. She is now undergoing ongoing therapy and counseling.
Due to the extreme sensitivity of the case and the involvement of minors, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office has declined to release further details, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to protect the victim’s privacy.
“The investigation remains active,” prosecutors said, noting that authorities are still reviewing evidence and gathering additional information.
Kennibrew says her focus now is on helping her daughter heal:
“I just want her to be able to live like a normal 5-year-old again.”
Cleveland police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault.