KANSAS CITY — A woman accused of stabbing a KCFD firefighter to death during a medical transport in the KC Northland has been charged with first degree murder.
Kansas City firefighter-paramedic Graham Hoffman, 29, was stabbed by a patient early Sunday morning while she was being taken to St. Luke's Hospital on Barry Road.
Hoffman had served with the Kansas City Fire Department since 2022.
He was described as vibrant, a leader both on and off the job, and deeply committed to serving his community.
"He was a young firefighter-paramedic," KCFD Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins said. "Speaking with a lot of his classmates and folks that work with him today, he was very vibrant. Loved to travel, and he loved serving his community."
Hoffman was working overtime when he was stabbed, Hopkins said.
Charges filed against Shanetta Bossell
Shanetta Bossell faces several charges, including first-degree murder and armed criminal action. A $1 million bond has been requested by the Clay County Prosecutor's Office. She remains in police custody.
"He made the well-being and safety of his community his personal responsibility," said Clay County Prosecutor Zach Thompson. "Our community grieves his loss at such a young age with his entire life ahead of him. No words or actions can undo the tragic events that led us here tonight, but that will not stop us from remaining steadfast in our pursuit of justice."
Kansas City officers and firefighters were dispatched around 1am to assist a woman walking along the shoulder of Highway 152 near Oak Trafficway.
The woman, identified as Bossell, had a laceration on her finger and was being transported by ambulance when the situation turned deadly.
During transport, authorities said Bossell attacked Hoffman inside the ambulance. His partner called for emergency assistance, and additional Kansas City Police Department and Kansas City Fire Department personnel responded.