No Charges After Mom & Infant Daughter Shot Dead By Police

Friday followup in one of the most tragic situations Kansas City has witnessed in recent years. 

For the most part, TKC blog commenters and a significant contingent of residents contend that the tragic shooting was "justified" given the mom pulled a HUGE knife and lunged at officers with the baby in her arms. 

Here's the main quote and a link to a statement from Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson . . .

“We did not arrive at this decision lightly. The loss of a young mother and her infant are devastating and tragic,” said Prosecutor Johnson. “However, as prosecutors, we are bound by an oath to apply the law and analyze facts without being guided by the sympathy we feel for all those impacted. Our purpose is to determine if what was done was reasonable, defined by Missouri law, and not whether it was the best course of action.”

The summary hitting newscasts tonight . . .

A police officer who fatally shot a woman and her infant daughter at an apartment complex will not face criminal charges.

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced on Friday evening that her office would not pursue charges following her investigation.

The afternoon of Nov. 7, 2024, officers with the Independence Police Department responded to the Oval Springs Apartments for a physical domestic disturbance. Law enforcement stated they had enough evidence to make an arrest based on injuries suffered by a witness, later determined to be the child’s grandmother.

Family had previously said they thought 34-year-old Maria Pike would be arrested and given help, as she had been diagnosed with postpartum depression. Her daughter, Destinii Hope, was 2 months old.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Prosecutor will not file charges against officer in fatal shooting of woman, infant

Maria Pike, 34, and her 2-month-old daughter, Destinii Hope, died in the shooting.

Jackson County prosecutor declines to charge officer involved in death of Independence woman, child

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson will not file charges against the officer involved in the death of an Independence woman and her child.

Prosecutor: Independence officer will not face charges in deadly shooting of mom, baby

An Independence, Missouri, police officer who shot and killed a mom and baby after the woman brandished a knife will not face charges, Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced Friday.

Developing . . .