INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KCTV) – After an officer-involved shooting, a mother and a child rocked a Kansas City metro community, Independence Police Chief Adam Dustman is speaking out.

“As a father, my thoughts are with every family member who has been affected by violence in our community,” Chief Dustman said. “As chief, my heart is heavy with the burden on our men and women Independence Police Department wear every day to keep our citizens safe.”

The Independence Police Department was called to the Oval Springs Apartments, a few blocks south of E. 23rd and Mo-291 Highway, around 1:45 pm on Thursday, November 7th. During the incident, a law enforcement officer fired a gun.

As a result, a 2-month-old baby, Destinii Hope, and her mother, Maria Pike, 34, died. Family members said law enforcement responded to a domestic disturbance when the child’s mother began to become violent.

Family members also told KCTV5 that the officers knew a child was present and that the mother was holding her at the time. However, shots were fired while no negotiations were involved.

“Our officers are also members of our community and we all want Independence to be a safe place for everyone; this is a goal we work toward every day, in ways the public may or may not see,” Chief Dustman continued.

While the department has heard many questions in light of the Oval Springs incident, Dustman asked the community for understanding because law enforcement officials are prohibited by law from releasing information crucial to the investigation.

“IPD must follow proper protocol regarding ongoing investigations for the safety and fairness of all involved,” Chief Dustman concluded. “Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”

The officer who fired the fatal shot is on administrative leave, as are two other officers who responded to the call.

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