During a hostage standoff, Police Accidentally kill 2yr old daughter of Kansas father who fired 90 rounds
During the two-hour standoff, cops fired one round. During a hostage scenario in Kansas, police mistakenly killed a two-year-old child.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says Eli Crawford, 37, shot over 90 bullets at officers after shooting his wife, Taylor Shutte, 27.
After a two-hour standoff, an officer responded with a single shot that killed the suspect’s daughter, Clesslynn Crawford.
On March 26, soon after 7 p.m. near Baxter Springs, a woman contacted 911 for assistance during a domestic disturbance.
Officers arrived at the camper trailer and knocked. When Eli Crawford saw it was the cops, he slammed the door.
His two-year-old daughter reopened it, and his wife ran. Crawford allegedly stepped outside and shot her as she ran. He then shot the four responding officers.
The officers forced to escape and take shelter, but Crawford continued to fire at them. He allegedly fired over 90 shots from many firearms.
To assist Baxter Springs PD officers, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Joplin Police Department SWAT Team, KBI, and Kansas Highway Patrol reacted via radio.
Approximately two hours and ten minutes after the standoff began, a Joplin Police officer shot a single round into the apartment, according to the KBI.
When cops arrived, they found three deceased bodies.
“multiple gunshots fired by Eli Crawford,” KBI reported.
“It is believed that Eli Crawford, 37, died of a single, self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation indicates that 2-year-old Clesslynn Crawford died as a result of the single round fired by an officer from the Joplin Police Department.”
During the shootout, no cops were hurt.
“The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this shooting,” the agency announced Monday. “Once it concludes, the findings will be presented to the Cherokee County Attorney to determine if criminal charges will be filed.”
“Autopsies are scheduled. The investigation is ongoing.”
Chief Sloan Rowland acknowledged to the Joplin Globe that his SWAT unit murdered the toddler.
“This is a horrific outcome to what had already started as a very tragic incident,” he said. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families involved and the surrounding community. We ask that you pray for the victims and everyone involved.”
The statement didn’t explain why the officer fired.
Clesslynn died on Tuesday.
“Clesslynn was full of life and had a very bubbly personality. She was very loving and always happy,” the child’s obituary read. “She was extremely smart for her age and loved putting a smile on everyone’s face.”
“Clesslynn loved Minnie Mouse, her binky, and never passed up a chance to dance. She would talk to you for days and was the definition of ‘A BOSS BABY’. She always loved to cuddle, and although little, she was very fierce. Clesslynn had the eyes of an angel and a smile that could warm anyone’s heart. There was never a dull moment around this sweet girl.”
In February 2020, Clesslynn’s 8 and 6-year-old cousins Kynzee and Laynee Norris died in a house fire that their elder sister and grandfather escaped.
The damage was so extensive that the culprit was never determined, though a wood stove was suspected.
