KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Authorities said Friday that a child was among the two people who were killed Thursday afternoon as part of a police shooting at an Independence apartment complex.
It remains unclear what role, if any, police may have had in the child’s death.
Independence Police Chief Adam Dustman refused to release any details about the shooting in a 12:30 p.m. press conference at police headquarters.
"This is tragic and still fresh," Dustman said. "It's heartbreaking. I'm a father and husband and my heart goes out to the family."
The Independence Police Department is one of several police agencies in Jackson County that are part of the Eastern Jackson County Police Involved Incident Team. Participating departments rotate who is the lead agency in investigations. The Blue Springs Police Department is leading the investigation into Thursday’s police shooting.
Just before 2 p.m. Thursday, Independence officers were called to an apartment in the Oval Springs Apartment complex near Missouri Highway 291 and Larkspur Lane on a domestic disturbance.
Dustman did reveal at Friday's news conference one person had a knife.
One officer fired his weapon.
He also said the officers did exactly what they were trained to do, but have not yet provided a clear picture of what happened once officers arrived.
Early Thursday night, the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office released a statement, saying they were investigating the police shooting.
"We will move forward with our review as quickly as reasonably possible," the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement. "Our condolences go out to those involved and their families."
Later Thursday night, police announced two people had died in connection to the incident at the apartment.
The names and ages of those killed have not been released.
"I can tell you as police chief, as a police officer, no officer comes to work ever expecting to take a life," Dustman said. "There's a heavy burden that comes with that," he said. We continue to care for those involved."
On Thursday, KSHB 41's Alyssa Jackson spoke with Carrie Lufkin, a property manager at the Oval Spring Apartments, who described the incident as a "fatal domestic situation."
Lufkin provided a statement to KSHB 41 News on Friday night, which reads below:
We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that have affected our community. Our hearts go out to all those involved, and we want to express our deepest condolences to everyone impacted. At Oval Spring Apartments, we have always prioritized the safety and well-being of our residents, especially the children who call our community home. We remain committed to ensuring a safe environment for all and will continue to work tirelessly to uphold that promise. On Monday, November 11, 2024, we will be offering mental health counseling services to anyone who feels the need to talk or seek support. We encourage you to take advantage of these resources. In these difficult times, please hold your loved ones close, and do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need assistance. We are here for you.
"This takes an emotional and massive toll on our people," Dustman said.
All the officers involved in the incident are on administrative leave.
Dustman also emphasized police everywhere need help dealing with larger numbers of juveniles, people battling drug addiction and others that are able to get guns.
—
If you have any information about a crime, you may contact your local police department directly. But if you want or need to remain anonymous, you should contact the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline by calling 816-474-TIPS (8477), submitting the tip online or through the free mobile app at P3Tips.com. Depending on your tip, Crime Stoppers could offer you a cash reward.
Annual homicide details and data for the Kansas City area are available through the KSHB 41 News Homicide Tracker, which was launched in 2015. Read the KSHB 41 News Mug Shot Policy.
