A Missouri firefighter paramedic identified as 29-year-old Graham Hoffman died on Sunday after he was allegedly stabbed by a patient. According to authorities, Hoffman was traveling alongside the patient to a local hospital following a medical call.
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According to Fox News Digital, the incident took place early on April 27. Reportedly, Hoffman responded to a routine medical call issued by local police. The patient, 38-year-old Shanetta Bossell, allegedly stabbed Hoffman in the chest inside an ambulance while on the way to the hospital.
Graham Hoffman was rushed to North Kansas City Hospital following the incident, but despite the ICU's efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. As per KCTV, the knife had pierced through Hoffman's heart.
Shanetta Bossell was charged with first-degree murder, resisting/interfering with arrest for a felony, third-degree assault, and armed criminal action. She is currently being held on a $1 million bond.
According to KCTV, Bossell was charged with assault and resisting arrest on April 23, days before Hoffman's alleged murder. She was accused of biting a police officer during a separate arrest. At the time, Judge Louis Angles set Bossell's bond at $10,000, which was posted before Saturday, April 26.
Reactions
The news of Hoffman's passing shook authorities, especially the Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD). They shared a picture of him on
social media, expressing heartbreak over his death."Described as compassionate, caring, loving, and a leader on and off the job by his fellow firefighters and academy classmates," the KCFD wrote. It is with great sorrow and sadness we announce the passing of KCFD Firefighter Paramedic Graham Hoffman."
"Graham was a dedicated professional who loved serving his city. He will be greatly missed. Funeral details will follow in the coming days. Rest in peace Firefighter Graham Hoffman."
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, who posted updates on the case on X, praised Hoffman, remembering him fondly.
"That he was taken from us while working to save lives makes this loss all the more painful," Lucas said, as per Fox News Digital. "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."
Mayor Lucas later expressed concern in a statement that the suspect, Bossell, had been previously charged with assault and then returned "as a serious threat to the public and first responders only days later."
