Prosecutor declines charges in fatal shooting of mother, infant in Independence

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced that no charges will be filed against an Independence police officer who fatally shot Maria Pike and her two-month-old daughter, Destinii, during a domestic disturbance on November 7, 2024. The prosecutor's office concluded that the officer acted in self-defense after Pike lunged at him with a large knife, posing an immediate threat. Johnson emphasized that the decision was based on legal standards rather than emotional considerations, stating that the officer's use of deadly force was deemed reasonable under Missouri law. The incident, which occurred at the Oval Spring Apartments, involved a prior call for help regarding a domestic dispute and was captured on body camera footage. Family members and advocates have expressed outrage over the incident, calling for the full, unedited release of the body cam footage to better understand the police response, especially given the presence of a mental health responder during the initial call. The community continues to seek accountability and justice in light of the tragic outcome.