KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A woman is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly stabbing and killing a Kansas City firefighter-paramedic who was attempting to help her during a medical emergency.
Shanetta Bossell, 39, has been charged in Clay County with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, third-degree assault, and resisting arrest. She is accused of killing Graham Hoffman, a paramedic with the Kansas City Fire Department, during a disturbing encounter early Sunday morning.
According to court records, Kansas City police officers encountered Bossell around 12:40 a.m. walking on the shoulder of Missouri 152 Highway near North Oak Trafficway. She had a severe finger laceration and was offered medical help. Though initially reluctant, she later agreed to be transported by ambulance to a hospital.
While en route, the situation turned tragic. At approximately 1:25 a.m., the ambulance driver activated the emergency lights and jumped from the vehicle, alerting a trailing officer that Bossell had a knife. Officers witnessed a struggle inside the ambulance between Bossell and Hoffman.
Bossell reportedly tried to flee, attempted to steal the ambulance, and bit an officer during the confrontation. Police subdued and arrested her after a violent struggle. The suspected murder weapon—a knife—was found in the ambulance. Hoffman had been stabbed in the chest and later died at a hospital.
Just six days earlier, Bossell had been arrested for biting a police officer during an unrelated incident. She was charged with second-degree assault and resisting arrest, but posted bond and was released.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed concern over the tragedy, highlighting the risks first responders face and calling for a review of safety protocols.
Bossell is being held on $1 million bail.
