Mother, Infant Die in Missouri Police Shooting

In Independence, Missouri, a police-involved shooting resulted in the deaths of Maria Pike, 34, and her infant daughter, Destinii Hope. The incident occurred at the Oval Springs Apartments following a domestic disturbance call made by Talisa Coombs, the baby's grandmother, who reported being assaulted by Pike. Police have not disclosed the cause of death but confirmed an officer fired a weapon and indicated Pike was armed with a knife. The investigation, led by the Eastern Jackson County Police Involved Incident Team, is ongoing with officers from multiple local departments reviewing evidence. Family members have criticized the police response, questioning the necessity of using lethal force given Pike's mental health issues. The community has been deeply impacted, and mental health support services are being offered at the apartment complex.