Kansas City Firefighter Dies After Being Stabbed by Patient

Graham Hoffman - Kansas City Fire Dept.

A Kansas City firefighter-paramedic has died after being stabbed by a patient he was transporting to the hospital early Sunday morning, according to the Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD).

Authorities say that just before 1 am on Sunday, April 27, KCFD crews were dispatched to North Oak Trafficway and Highway 152 for what was described as a routine medical call. The Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) reported that the call originated as a welfare check after a woman was seen walking along the westbound lanes of the highway.

When emergency responders arrived, they placed the woman into an ambulance for transport to a hospital. During the ride, the woman allegedly attacked and stabbed firefighter-paramedic Graham Hoffman in the chest with a sharp object. Hoffman's partner pulled over to assist and attempted to subdue the patient but was also assaulted in the process.

Both firefighters were rushed to the hospital. Hoffman, 29, initially suffered life-threatening injuries, while his partner was reported to have non-life-threatening injuries. Despite medical efforts, city officials confirmed around 3 pm Sunday that Hoffman had died from his injuries. During a press conference later that afternoon, KCFD officials said Hoffman had been stabbed in the heart.

Hoffman had been with KCFD since 2022 and typically served out of Station #42. He was working overtime when the fatal incident occurred.

Shanetta Bossell - Clay County Sheriff’s Office photo

The suspect, identified as Shanetta Bossell, is now in custody and faces charges of first-degree murder, armed criminal action, assault, and resisting arrest. She is being held on a $1 million bond. Records show that Bossell had recently been held at the Clay County Detention Center on April 23 and 24 for assaulting an officer and had been released on bond shortly before the deadly incident.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.