In Independence, Missouri, a domestic dispute call ended in tragedy when two-month-old Destiny Hope and her mother, Maria Pike, were killed by police. The community has decried the incident as a state-sanctioned execution, sparking widespread outrage and demands for justice.
The events began on November 7th when Talisa Coombs, Maria's mother-in-law, called the police after an altercation. "I wanted her arrested for assault, not executed," Talisa told The Defender. She informed officers there was a baby in the apartment and no weapons. Despite this, police stormed in with guns drawn, ignoring her warnings. Exclusive footage from The Kansas City Defender shows officers armed with pistols and an assault rifle, refuting claims by Police Chief Adam Dustman that de-escalation attempts were made.
Maria's boyfriend, Mitchell Holder, recounted the horrific sequence. "I asked if we could talk through the door," he said, describing his fear for baby Destiny amidst the armed officers. When they entered, chaos ensued. "They shot my baby," he said. "Her blood splattered across my glasses." He described Maria's response: "She jumped up, and the cop fired again, hitting her in the hip." Holder believes inadequate medical aid contributed to Maria's death.
Police claimed Maria was armed with a knife, but witnesses strongly dispute this. "I never once saw Maria armed with anything," Holder said. Talisa also insisted there were no weapons present. Community members suspect a cover-up, citing conflicting accounts and the absence of body camera footage to substantiate police claims.
Neighbor Bug Arnold described the militarized police response, including officers breaking into their apartment with guns drawn. "They led with their guns the entire time," Bug said, recalling their terror as officers accused them of harming an officer before realizing they had entered the wrong apartment.
The tragedy has devastated Maria's family. "She needed help," said Felisha Holder, Maria's sister-in-law. "The cops weren't here to help her." The family has vowed to fight for justice. "We can't keep letting them get away with this," Felisha declared. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to cover funeral expenses for Destiny as the family channels their grief into a demand for accountability. "Justice for Maria and Destiny is the only option."
Link: Kansas City Defender