Crime
Terrell police officer Jacob Candanoza killed in the line of duty, suspect in custody
The police chief says Officer Jacob Candanoza was in his 20s and leaves behind a wife and young son.
A Terrell Police officer was tragically killed during a routine traffic stop late Sunday night, and the suspect involved is now in custody, according to the Terrell Police Department.
Officer Jacob Candanoza, 28, conducted a traffic stop in the 1600 block of South State Highway 34 around 11 p.m. on December 8, 2024, near a Super 8 motel.
During the stop, Candanoza requested backup. Shortly thereafter, the department received two 911 calls reporting that an officer had been shot, department spokesperson Mary Hauger shared during a Monday press conference.
Responding officers arrived at the scene and confirmed that Candanoza had sustained gunshot wounds. He was immediately transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Despite his critical condition, Officer Candanoza managed to relay the suspect’s license plate number to dispatchers.
This critical information allowed law enforcement, including state Highway Patrol and off-duty officers, to locate the vehicle and pursue the suspect into Van Zandt County.
The suspect was taken into custody without further incident, officials reported.
“We want to extend our deepest condolences to Officer Candanoza’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” said Hauger.
Officer Candanoza joined the Terrell Police Department on July 15, 2024. His untimely death has deeply shaken the community and his colleagues.
Terrell, located approximately 30 miles east of Dallas, mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant. Further details about the suspect and the investigation will be shared as they become available.
Crime
Two Christian County Deputies Killed in Line of Duty Identified as Gabriel Ramirez and Michael Hislope
Christian County, Mo. — The Christian County Sheriff’s Office has identified the two deputies killed in the line of duty during a multi-agency manhunt that concluded early Tuesday morning with the suspect fatally shot by law enforcement.
The fallen deputies have been identified as 30-year-old Deputy Gabriel Ramirez and 40-year-old Deputy Michael Hislope.
Deputy Ramirez joined the Sheriff’s Office on March 14, 2025. Although his tenure with the agency was brief, officials stated that his dedication to serving and protecting the community was evident from the outset.
Deputy Hislope had served with the department since October 28, 2019, and was described as a dedicated public servant, trusted colleague, and valued member of the sheriff’s office family.
Both deputies were veterans of the United States Army and were recognized for their continued commitment to service following their military careers.
Sheriff’s officials stated that their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to Christian County will not be forgotten.
The incident began around 4:00 p.m. Monday when a deputy conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of State Highway 160 and Route HH, south of Highlandville. During that encounter, gunfire erupted, resulting in the initial fatal shooting of Deputy Ramirez and prompting a large-scale manhunt.
Authorities later located the suspect’s abandoned vehicle, triggering an extensive search effort involving approximately 100 law enforcement officers, deputies, and state troopers from across the Ozarks region.
Federal partners, including the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI, and the ATF, also assisted in the operation.
According to Brad Cole, the search culminated early Tuesday morning near the roundabout on Highway 160 close to Reeds Spring.
A helicopter operated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol detected a moving heat signature in a wooded area after hours of searching.
As deputies approached the location, the suspect, identified as Richard Bird, opened fire. Law enforcement officers returned fire, fatally striking Bird and ending the threat.
During the exchange, one additional deputy from Christian County and one deputy from the Webster County Sheriff’s Office were wounded. Sheriff Cole stated that their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
While the suspect has been neutralized, the cost of the operation has left the department and community grieving. Two deputies did not return home to their families, and multiple agencies across the region are mourning alongside Christian County.
Sheriff Cole described the loss as devastating, noting the profound impact on the deputies’ families, colleagues, and the broader community they served. The investigation into the shootings remains ongoing.