Maria Pike Obituary, Death: Police identify mother and infant killed in shooting involving Independence officer.
Maria Pike Obituary, Death – Authorities in Independence, Missouri, have identified the woman and infant killed last week in a police-involved shooting. According to Blue Springs Police Captain Kyle Flowers, who is overseeing the investigation through the Eastern Jackson County Police Incident Investigation Team (PIIT), the deceased are 34-year-old Maria Pike and her 2-month-old daughter, Destinii Hope. The incident took place at the Oval Spring Apartments, involving multiple Independence police officers.
The PIIT team is currently reviewing footage from body cameras worn by officers on the scene. Captain Flowers noted that the investigators plan to re-interview involved parties and aim to submit findings to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office next week, although there is no set deadline.
Destinii’s grandmother, Talisa Coombs, expressed sorrow and frustration over the incident, stating that the tragedy could have been avoided. Coombs explained that she had gone to check on the family after Child Protective Services requested it. When Coombs arrived, she says Pike attacked her, resulting in bruises on her forehead and chest. After the assault, Coombs called the police and later went to the hospital for treatment.
According to reports, an apartment property manager persuaded the baby’s father to let officers into the apartment. Once inside, officers attempted to separate Pike from the infant. Moments later, shots were fired. Police have since stated that Pike was armed with a knife, and of the three officers present, one discharged their weapon.
Coombs questioned why officers couldn’t take the baby from Pike without violence, noting that Pike was a petite woman, weighing around 100 pounds. She shared the deep emotional pain she feels over the loss of her granddaughter, explaining that the experience has been devastating for her family.
To support funeral expenses for baby Destinii, her aunt, Felisha Holder, organized a GoFundMe campaign titled “Support Baby Destiny’s Funeral Costs.” In addition, a candlelight vigil is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. outside the apartment building where the incident occurred, featuring a balloon release in purple and white to honor Destinii’s memory.
