By Kellie Houx
KHoux@cherryroad.com
CLAY COUNTY — A Kansas City woman faces first degree murder charges for allegedly stabbing to death a firefighter-paramedic dispatched to help her.
Shanetta P. Bossell, 38, remains in custody on a $1 million bond on felony charges of murder, armed criminal action, assault of a police officer and armed criminal action.
Clay County Prosecutor Zach Thompson stated at a press conference that the murder charge is punishable by either death or imprisonment for life.
In addition to first degree murder, Bossell also faces felony charges of armed criminal action, assault of a police officer and resisting arrest.
“Our hearts go out to Graham’s family, the firefighter community and our whole community,” Thompson said. “Our community grieves his loss at such a young age with his entire life ahead of him. No words or actions can undo the tragic events that led us here tonight, but that will not stop us from remaining steadfast in our pursuit of justice.”
Hoffman was critically injured around 1 a.m. Sunday morning, April 27, while transporting Bossell to Saint Luke’s Hospital on Barry Road.
The medical call came in from the area of North Oak Trafficway and Highway 152.
Bossell was reported to be seen walking on the shoulder of Highway 152, just east of North Oak Trafficway. An officer said he observed Bossell on the side of the highway and conducted a welfare check. An ambulance was requested for Bossell as she had a laceration to her finger that was bleeding heavily, according to the probable cause statement.
Initially the officer offered to take her home, but she then agreed to go the hospital.
The officer followed the ambulance when it suddenly stopped and Hoffman’s partner ran to the back where Hoffman and Bossell were involved in an altercation, and she allegedly had a knife. Bossell then tried to jump into the ambulance cab to put it in drive, but was unable to.
After more police officers responded, the first officer ran back to the ambulance to see Hoffman’s partner trying to help Hoffman, who had been stabbed.
The officer assisted in apprehending Bossell before she bit him.
Hoffman was transported to North Kansas City Hospital. Despite hospital staff efforts, he died from his injuries.
He was 29 and served with the Kansas City Fire Department since 2022.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, in an online press conference, said that he didn’t expect a line-of-duty death like this.
“I am grieving for his family and friends,” he said. “We will demand justice.”
Kansas City Fire Chief Ross Grundyson said these actions have deprived the city of a quality firefighter-paramedic.
Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins, who serves as the Kansas City Fire Department’s public information officer, said Hoffmann was assigned to Squad 42 in South Kansas City, but was working overtime in the Northland.
Bossell also has previous charges from April 23 after she allegedly bit a police officer who tried to stop her from getting into his car.
This incident, according to the probable cause statement, started around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, April 23. Police were called to the area of Northeast 107th Terrace and Northeast Shoal Creek Parkway with reports of a Platte City Police Department officer in need of assistance.
Bossell allegedly bit the officer several times and the officer needed medical attention.
The Kansas City Police Department responded to the scene. In the statement, the officer said Bossell was attempting to get into his personal vehicle. He confronted her and asked her what she was doing. Bossell ignored him and proceeded to his front door.
According to the probable cause statement, the officer grabbed Bossell, trying to detain her. During the incident, she grabbed his handcuffs and tried several times to grab his department-issued knife. As he reached for his radio, she bit his left forearm so hard he feared a chunk of it would be bitten off.
As a result, Bossell was booked into the Clay County Detention Center and charged with two felonies: assault in the second degree and resisting arrest.
Bossell’s $10,000 bond was posted.
This investigation is ongoing.
