The Independence Police Department has released a body-camera video showing an officer shooting Maria Pike and Baby Destinii.
According to police, officers were investigating a family disturbance at the Oval Springs Apartments when they found Suspect Pike standing in a closet and holding baby Destinii. While interviewing Suspect Pike, she suddenly grabbed a large knife and accosted the police. A police officer then shot at Pike, killing her and Baby Destinii.
IPD says that the shooting is being investigated by a multi-police agency officer-involved shooting team.
Warning: These videos are graphic and not suitable for children.
Click on this link for the video released by IPD:
Independence Police Department Press Release Re: Shooting of Maria Pike and Baby Destinii
Critical Incident Briefing – Oval Springs Apartments
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – Regarding the ongoing investigation involving the Officer-Involved Shooting on November 7, 2024, we understand the desire for information. The Independence Police Department- has been and will continue to be as transparent as legally permitted. IPD fully understands the demand surrounding the events of that day and we will continue to fully cooperate with the outside investigation being conducted by the Police Involved Investigation Team (PIIT).
This briefing will serve as the only statement from the Independence, Missouri Police Department. IPD will have no further comment on this incident or the briefing until the conclusion of the ongoing PIIT investigation.
A statement from Chief Adam Dustman:
As a father, my thoughts are with every family member who has been impacted by violence in our community. As Chief, my heart is heavy with the burden the men and women of the Independence Police Department carry every day to keep our citizens safe. Our officers are also members of our community, and we all want Independence to be a safe place for everyone; this is a goal we are working toward every day, in ways the public may or may not see.
The Independence Police Department has heard the many questions asked in light of recent actions involving our officers. Please understand that we are prohibited by law from releasing information in certain circumstances, but we will do so when we can. IPD must follow proper protocol surrounding the ongoing investigations for the safety and fairness of all involved. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
I souly believe from the video,in my opinion the officer was only responding the way he’s probably trained reaction,when someone is just all the sudden charging at at you with a large very large kitchen knife I guess for carving a turkey,I would have reacted the same way but we all haft to understand in these situations as unfortunate that it is dealing with someone metal or on drugs there not a hole lot of time to aim properly or say just grab her arm instead I do believe he did what only any officer would have had to do.Im very sure he had no intention on shooting the baby she should have put the baby down she wasn’t thinking what so ever about the baby life,she wasn’t even thinking,and so this very unfortunate event happened,so my conclusion is I’m standing behind the officers decision that he had to very,very quickly make do to his training that he’s innocent,and I’m praying for him because I’m sure it’s messing him up emotionally,I’m also praying for the loss off that innocent baby involved,that mentally ill women should not have had baby with her what so ever,everyone who knew that women or close to her should have been more protective of that baby and this tragedy might have been prevented.
Why didn’t he taze her? Shoot her in the leg? Why do officers aim and shoot with the intention to kill? He could of saved the baby life if he wanted to. Our military is taught to shot at last resort. Why is our police officers the oppisite?