SWAT officer accidentally kills a 2-year-old child

Last month, a Missouri officer responding to a domestic disturbance fatally shot a two-year-old girl during a gun duel outside a trailer that also killed the child’s parents.

According to police investigating the event, Clesslynn Crawford died after she was hit by a shell fired by the cop – a member of the town of Joplin’s SWAT squad – in an apparent accident.

The shot was fired on March 28 after a three-and-a-half hour standoff between law enforcement and the girl’s father, Eli Crawford, inside a mobile home just across the border in Baxter Springs, Kansas.

According to police, Crawford, 37, shot more than 90 bullets at cops during the encounter, killing the girl’s mother, Taylor D. Shutte, 27, of Webb City, Missouri, and himself.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is currently investigating the event, according to a news statement issued on Monday.

It will assess if the officer’s conduct are criminal in nature. The officer, who has not been named, has been placed on administrative leave.

According to the KBI, four Baxter Springs Police officers responded to the residence at 7:15 p.m. “after a lady [Shutte] contacted 911 asking aid… due to an ongoing domestic disturbance.”

Crawford opened the door of the camper trailer when the police knocked, according to the KBI, but then’slammed it back shut’ after seeing the cops.

Clesslynn then closed the door, and Shutte, who had not previously been identified by authorities, escaped, according to the agency.

Crawford walked outside and fatally shot Shutte, according to KBI officers. Crawford then turned the pistol on the cops, firing indiscriminately while barricading himself in the camper with his child, according to officials.

On Monday, investigators said the officers’retreated to a safe distance without returning fire’ when Crawford launched his attack.

Under heavy fire, they requested assistance, which was provided by the Joplin Police Department’s SWAT Team, the KBI, Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

Crawford was ‘believed to have utilised many firearms to fire over 90 bullets’ during the heated battle, according to the KBI.

Shutte died at the scene from her wounds at some time during the gunfire, according to KBI officials.

At around 9:25 p.m., the officer suspected of killing Clesslynn fired one bullet into the house, according to KBI officials.

Crawford, who had been shooting at cops for about an hour, came to an unexpected halt. When police arrived to the house, they discovered Crawford and Clesslynn dead from gunshot wounds.

The KBI’s first determination following an investigation of the murder scene, that the round that killed the youngster was shot by a SWAT team member, was verified by the Joplin Police Department in a separate statement made last Monday.

In a written statement, police Chief Sloan Rowland stated, “This is a dreadful ending to what had already started as a really unfortunate occurrence.”

‘Our sincere sympathies to the affected families and the surrounding community. We respectfully request that you pray for the victims and all those affected.’

A request for comment from DailyMail.com to the Joplin Police Department was not immediately returned.

Rowland stated in her statement that the officer had been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure for officers who shoot their service weapon.

As part of the continuing investigation, the Joplin Police Department is actively collaborating with the Baxter Springs Police Department, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation,’ she continued.

Shutte was shot many times before she died, according to the KBI, and her assailant, Crawford, committed suicide a week after the crime.

The Cherokee County Attorney will decide whether the officer will face criminal charges for fatally shooting Clesslynn. The inquiry is still underway.

‘Clesslynn was a vivacious young woman with a bright attitude. ‘She was very kind and always smiling,’ according to the tot’s obituary. She was exceptionally bright for her age and delighted in bringing a smile to everyone’s face. Clesslynn adored her binky, Minnie Mouse, and she never missed an opportunity to dance. She was the epitome of “A BOSS BABY” and would chat to you for days.

‘She liked to hug and, despite her little stature, she was a determined fighter,’ the memorial reads. ‘Clesslynn had angelic eyes and a smile that could make anyone’s heart melt. There was never a dull moment while she was around.’