A Kansas City paramedic was fatally stabbed by a patient he was trying to help, turning a standard emergency response into a devastating act of violence.
Firefighter Paramedic Graham Hoffman, just 29 years old, lost his life on Sunday after being attacked in the back of his own ambulance. The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Shanetta Bossell, is now facing a slew of charges, including first-degree murder, assault, and armed criminal action. Her bond has been set at $1 million.
It all began early Sunday morning when police officers responded to a report of a woman walking along North Oak Trafficway. Officers found Bossell appearing confused but non-threatening. They called in EMS for a routine medical check.
Hoffman and his partner, answering what was supposed to be a standard wellness call, arrived to assist and began transporting Bossell to the hospital.
But during the ride, the situation turned deadly.
According to an affidavit, Bossell suddenly pulled out a knife and stabbed Hoffman in the chest. As he cried out that he had been stabbed in the heart, the driver slammed the ambulance to a stop.
In the chaos that followed, Bossell allegedly tried to hijack the vehicle, climbing into the driver’s seat and attempting to flee. A pursuing police officer was bitten on the arm during the scuffle, forcing him to strike her with his firearm to bring her under control.
A second ambulance rushed Hoffman to North Kansas City Hospital, but despite all efforts by paramedics and medical staff, he died in the ICU from his injuries.
Hoffman had been serving with the Kansas City Fire Department since 2022 and was well-regarded by colleagues and city officials.
“At just 29, Graham embodied Kansas City’s finest quality—selfless service for others,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas. “That he was taken from us while working to save lives makes this loss all the more painful.”
Lucas called for a full investigation into not only the crime but any systemic failures that may have contributed. “We will demand accountability not just from the suspect, but from any breakdowns in the system,” he said.
Grief counseling is being provided to members of the Kansas City Fire Department as they mourn a young life cut short in the line of duty.
Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson echoed the outrage and pledged to pursue justice to the fullest extent.
“Our office will use every legal, moral, and ethical tool at our disposal to ensure justice for Graham, his family, and the entire community,” Thompson stated.
Court documents reveal Bossell had been released on bond just two days earlier for another case involving alleged assault on a police officer and resisting arrest. Prosecutors are now considering whether to seek the death penalty or life without parole.
Officials have not yet disclosed whether mental health concerns played a role in the deadly incident.
City leaders urged the public to rally around Hoffman’s loved ones during this time of immense grief.
“His courage, compassion, and commitment to our community will never be forgotten,” said Interim City Manager Kimiko Gilmore.
