Independence Police Chief speaks out after mother, infant killed

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KCTV) - After a shooting that involved an officer, a mother and an infant rocked a Kansas City metro community, Independence Police Chief Adam Dustman has started to speak out.

“As a father, my thoughts are with every family member who has been impacted by violence in our community,” Chief Dustman said. “As Chief, my heart is heavy with the burden the men and women of our Independence Police Department carry every day to keep our citizens safe.”

The Independence Police Department was called to the Oval Springs Apartments, a few blocks south of E. 23rd and Mo-291 Highway, around 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7. During the incident, a law enforcement official fired a gun.

As a result, a 2-month-old infant Destinii Hope and her mother, 34-year-old Maria Pike, died. Family said law enforcement officials had responded to a domestic disturbance as the infant’s mother began to get violent.

Family also told KCTV5 that officers knew an infant was present and that the mother had been holding her at the time. However, shots were fired while no negotiations had been involved.

“Our officers are also 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,” Chief Dustman continued.

While the department has heard many questions in light of the Oval Springs incident, Dustman has asked the community for understanding as law enforcement officials are barred by law from the release of information crucial to the investigation.

“IPD must follow proper protocol surrounding the ongoing investigations for the safety and fairness of all involved,” Chief Dustman concluded. “Thank you for your understanding and continued .”

The officer who fired the shot is on istrative leave as well as two other officers who responded to the call.

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