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A tragic police shooting in Independence involving a mother struggling with postpartum depression has renewed focus on alternative crisis response programs that could prevent similar incidents.

On November 7, 2024, Independence police officers responded to a domestic disturbance call involving Maria Pike and her baby, Destinii.

Police body camera footage showed the situation escalated quickly as Pike got a knife.

The officer stated, "She turned and came at me. I thought she was going to kill me. So, I shot her."

Family members say Pike struggled with postpartum depression. An Independence Police Department mental health co-responder was just moments away when the shooting happened.

There is a growing movement toward alternative crisis response.

"Acr

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