A Missouri firefighter paramedic has tragically died after he was stabbed to death by a patient in the back of an ambulance.
29-year-old Kansas City Fire Department Fire Medic Graham Hoffman was murdered while transporting the patient to the hospital.
Hoffman died on Sunday, a few hours after he was stabbed in the chest, the city of Kansas City said in a news release.
The patient who killed Hoffman was being taken to the hospital following a routine medical call from police.
Hoffman’s partner “initiated a crew emergency” after the stabbing, the city said.
Additional fire and police units also responded to the scene.
He was taken to North Kansas City Hospital, where he died in the Intensive Care Unit.
Officials praised the “heroic efforts” from KCFD paramedics who attempted to save Hoffman while taking him to the hospital.
Despite the best efforts by doctors in the Emergency Room and surgery, Hoffman’s injuries were far too severe.
In a post on Facebook, the Missouri Division of Fire Safety said:
“His KCFD ambulance was an essential lifesaving tool.
“But early this morning, Hoffman’s ambulance became a crime scene and Hoffman a victim of an unfathomable crime – allegedly stabbed to death by a patient he was treating.”
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said Hoffman displayed the city’s “finest quality” through his “selfless service for others.”
“That he was taken from us while working to save lives makes this loss all the more painful,” Lucas said, in part.
“This senseless act reminds us of the dangers our first responders face each day.
“The suspect remains in custody as the police department works with the Clay County Prosecutor toward charges.
“We will demand accountability be applied not just to the suspect, but also for any steps in the system that fell short.”
Lucas said the city mourns with Hoffman’s family, friends, and the fire department, and asked that Kansas Citians keep the Hoffman family and the city’s “brave first responders” in their prayers.
Interim City Manager Kimiko Gilmore also issued a statement sharing condolences for the “unimaginable loss.”
“Today, we mourn the loss of Firefighter Paramedic Graham Hoffman, a brave public servant who dedicated his life to helping others,” she said, in part.
“His courage, compassion, and commitment to our community will never be forgotten.”
Hoffman, who joined KCFD in 2022, was described by his department as “compassionate, caring, loving and a leader on and off the job,” and a “dedicated professional who loved serving his city.”
On Sunday, the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office announced charges against the suspect.
38-year-old Shanetta Bossell was arrested for murdering Hoffman.
Jail records show Bossell is facing three felony charges: first-degree murder, resisting/interfering with arrest for a felony, and third-degree assault.
She is also charged with armed criminal action.
Her bond is set at $1 million.
Bossell was arrested on April 23 for allegedly biting a Platte City police officer, local outlet KCTV 5 reported.
She was charged with assault and resisting arrest in that instance.
Judge Louis Angles reviewed that case and set Bossell’s bond at $10,000, which was posted sometime before Saturday, according to KCTV.
The Missouri Division of Fire Safety said:
“Hearts are heavy as our minds struggle to comprehend the incomprehensible.
“Hoffman had committed his life to answering the alarm bell no matter the emergency, regardless of the circumstances.
“He was a lifesaver,” the organization wrote.
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