A Missouri fire department paramedic was stabbed to death early Sunday by a patient he was trying to help.
Shanetta Boswell, 38, has been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with the killing of Graham Hoffman, 29, a member of the Kansas City Fire Department.
First responders were alerted to the situation after receiving a call about a woman wandering along a highway in the early hours of Sunday. Concerns were raised about her well-being.
Upon police arrival, Boswell was located and medical assistance was requested. While being transported to Saint Luke’s Hospital in an ambulance, Boswell allegedly attacked Hoffman, fatally stabbing him. The ambulance was halted, and Hoffman was rushed to North Kansas City Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries in the intensive care unit. The knife used in the assault, which had penetrated Hoffman’s heart, was discovered in the ambulance.
Police officers followed the ambulance as it left the scene and saw the vehicle pull over and the driver run to the back, where Bossell was struggling with Hoffman. She reportedly ran to the driver’s seat and tried to drive away, but was stopped by the officers. She bit one on the arm, the document says.
Around 1:25 a.m., the ambulance pulled over near Platte Purchase Drive with its emergency lights activated.
Court documents say officers saw the ambulance driver run to the back of the vehicle, where a struggle was underway between Bossell and Hoffman, KMBC reported. Bossell allegedly tried to drive away in the ambulance but was stopped by officers after a struggle, during which she also bit an officer on the arm.
“Despite the efforts of first responders and medical teams at North Kansas City Hospital, Firefighter Hoffman succumbed to his injuries. He was 29 and had served with the Kansas City Fire Department since 2022,” the fire department said.
Bossell had been arrested earlier last week after she allegedly bit a Platte City Police officer during another arrest, according to KCTV. She was released on a $10,000 bond, but now she’s being held on a $1 million bond.
“Graham was a vibrant individual who loved life and loved serving his community,” said KCFD Fire Chief Ross Grundyson. “He was an excellent paramedic. He treated his patients with the highest level of skill and compassion. “
“This is a senseless act that has taken a young man from his family, friends and coworkers and deprived our city of a dedicated firefighter who only wanted to serve and protect those in his community.”
