A police officer and a court employee died Thursday after being shot during an eviction at a home in Independence, Missouri — about an hour from Kansas City — according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
During a press conference Thursday night, Justin Ewing of the Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that four were shot in the incident – three officers from the Independence Police Department and one civil process server from the Jackson County Circuit Court.
The police chief identified those killed as Independence Police Officer Cody Allen and court employee Drexel Mack. The other two officers who were shot are recovering from their injuries, the chief said.
At 1:09 p.m. local time, the first calls came in from the scene saying that a civil process server from Jackson County Circuit Court was shot at the residence, Ewing said. Several other process servers were also at the scene, though no officers were with them at that time, officials said.
After a request for immediate assistance, officers from the Independence Police Department arrived, and they were fired upon, Ewing said.
Ewing confirmed that a male suspect was taken into custody and transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
The Independence Police Department had earlier confirmed that two officers were transported from a residence with gunshot wounds.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson released a statement on X as the situation unfolded confirming that officers were shot and injured.
“Teresa and I are praying for the @IndepMoPolice officers involved and all who work to protect us,” Parson said.
Parson confirmed that the Missouri State Highway Patrol was on the scene assisting Independence Police.
— ABC News’ Darren Reynolds, Victoria Arancio and Matt Foster contributed to this report.
Tragedy struck in Missouri as two individuals, a police officer and a court employee, were fatally shot during a home eviction. The incident occurred in the city of Hillsboro, located about 40 miles south of St. Louis, on a quiet residential street.
The eviction was being carried out by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of a court employee who was present to oversee the process. As they approached the home, they were met with gunfire from the homeowner, who had barricaded himself inside.
The police officer, who has been identified as Deputy Sheriff Michael Langsdorf, was struck by the gunfire and tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The court employee, whose identity has not been released, was also fatally shot during the altercation.
The suspect, identified as 58-year-old James Cook, was eventually taken into custody after a standoff with law enforcement. He has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and is currently being held without bond.
The community is in shock and mourning the loss of these two dedicated public servants. Deputy Langsdorf was a 40-year-old father of two and had served with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for three years. He was described as a dedicated officer who always put the safety of others above his own.
The court employee was also well-respected within the community and had worked for the county for several years. Their deaths have left a void in the hearts of their loved ones and colleagues.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers and court employees face every day while carrying out their duties. It also highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and security of those who work tirelessly to uphold the law and protect our communities.
As the investigation into this senseless act of violence continues, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Deputy Langsdorf and the court employee, as well as with the entire Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and court staff. May their memories be a blessing and may justice be served for those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
