Patient Arrested for Murder of Kansas City, MO, Medic, who 'Loved Life'

A Northland woman is facing a murder charge after she allegedly fatally stabbed a Kansas City firefighter-paramedic who was trying to help her, court records show.

Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson has charged Shanetta Bossell with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of 29-year-old Graham Hoffman.

Bossell was booked overnight into Clay County jail.

Hoffman and his partner responded to a routine medical call involving Bossell about 1 a.m. Sunday at North Oak Trafficway and Missouri 152.

While on the way to a hospital, Bossell allegedly stabbed Hoffman in the chest, piercing his heart, Kansas City Fire Chief Ross Grundyson said in a statement.

Hoffman’s partner called for police and extra medical help, saying they had a crew emergency. Fellow firefighters worked to save Hoffman’s life as they took him to North Kansas City Hospital.

Hospital staff treated Hoffman in the emergency room before taking him into surgery, Grundyson said. After surgery, Hoffman was placed in the intensive care unit, where he died.

A community grieves

Hoffman had been a member of the fire department for three years, Grundyson said.

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

Hoffman’s courage, compassion and commitment to the community will never be forgotten, Grundyson said.

Grundyson added that the fire department grieves with Hoffman’s family, friends and loved ones. He also thanked KCFD members and staff at North Kansas City Hospital for their efforts to save Hoffman’s life, as well as the Kansas City Police Department for quickly apprehending Bossell.

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

Mayor Quinton Lucas said he was heartbroken by the loss of Hoffman and that the “senseless act” is a reminder of the dangers the city’s first responders face daily.

“At just 29, Graham embodied Kansas City’s finest quality — selfless service for others,” Lucas said in a statement. “That he was taken from us while working to save lives makes this loss all the more painful.”

The Star’s Noelle Alviz-Gransee contributed to this story.