Paramedic fatally stabbed by patient he was trying to help during ambulance ride, police say

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV/Gray News) - A Missouri woman accused of fatally stabbing a paramedic who was trying to help her has been charged with murder.

The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office announced Sunday evening that 38-year-old Shanetta Bossell has been charged with murder in the first-degree and armed criminal action in the death of 29-year-old Graham Hoffman, a firefighter-paramedic with the Kansas City Fire Department.

If convicted, Bossell could be sentenced to spend the rest of her life behind bars. As of Sunday evening, she remained in custody on a $1 million bond, KCTV reports.

The Kansas City Police Department says just after 12:30 a.m. Sunday, emergency crews were called to the area of 152 Highway and North Oak Trafficway with reports of a woman, later identified as Bossell, walking on the highway. Callers had been concerned for her safety.

Responding officers said they located Bossell and requested EMS for further treatment. Around 1:25 a.m., as an ambulance headed to Saint Luke’s Hospital, Bossell allegedly stabbed Hoffman.

First responders say the ambulance was stopped on 152 Highway near Platte Purchase Rd. as officers and additional firefighters took Bossell into custody. A knife was recovered from the ambulance.

Hoffman was taken to the intensive care unit at North Kansas City Hospital. Unfortunately, the fire department indicated the knife pierced the paramedic’s heart, and he succumbed to his injuries. He had served with KCFD since 2022.

“Graham was a vibrant individual who loved life and loved serving his community,” said KCFD Fire Chief Ross Grundyson. “He was an excellent paramedic. He treated his patients with the highest level of skill and comion.”

“This is a senseless act that has taken a young man from his family, friends and coworkers and deprived our city of a dedicated firefighter who only wanted to serve and protect those in his community.”

Kansas City leaders gathered Sunday afternoon to discuss next steps in the investigation, and Mayor Quinton Lucas took the time to recognize the senseless tragedy.

“Graham was 29 years old, someone who had an exceptional life ahead of him, and he died doing something that was so impactful and important to all of us, serving the community,” Lucas said. “There will be many steps ahead as we evaluate what happened, as we review what occurred, as we address whatever needs to happen in the future. But today, I’m focused on grieving for his mother, his father, his sibling, his family and everyone in the KCFD family.”

City leaders promised they would stand steadfast next to Hoffman’s family as they prepare to lay him to rest.

“There are a lot of things that have happened since I became mayor a few years ago,” Lucas said. “I never expected a line-of-duty death like this one. I never expected a violent criminal incident to bring this amount of pain to a community and family.”

Funeral details will be provided in the coming days, according to KCFD. The Hoffman family has asked for privacy at this time.

The fire department noted that grief counseling and will be offered to all in need. The department’s thanks were also extended to North Kansas City Hospital and the Kansas City Police Department for their .

Bossell was arrested last Wednesday after she allegedly bit a Platte City Police Department officer who tried to stop her from tampering with his car. She was charged with assault and resisting arrest in that case, and her bond was set at $10,000. She posted bond before Saturday and was released.

After charges were filed against Bossell in relation to Hoffman’s death, Lucas said he appreciated the swift action. He released the following statement:

Like many, I share concern that the defendant had within the past week been arrested and charged by prosecutors with felony assault on a law enforcement officer only to, based upon the allegations, return as a serious threat to the public and first responders only days later. I believe in our justice system and will await further information about all that led to this heartbreaking incident and all that could have been done to avoid it.

In the meantime, I will continue discussion with KCFD, KD, and all of our first responders and emergency personnel to ensure we have reviewed our policies and provided every available tool to keep them safe as they protect all in our community.

Copyright 2025 KCTV via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.