KBI investigation finds Baxter two-year-old died from police fire

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has provided additional information related to the officer-involved shooting that occurred during a hostage incident on Saturday, March 26 in Baxter Springs. Read the full press release below:

While investigative work remains, several preliminary findings have been reached.

Taylor Shutte, 27, was killed just outside of the camping trailer after she was struck by multiple gunshots fired by Eli Crawford.

It is believed that Eli Crawford, 37, died of a single, self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The investigation indicates that 2-year-old Clesslynn Crawford died as a result of the single round fired by an officer from the Joplin Police Department.

The investigation is ongoing. We ask the public for patience as KBI agents finish their work. The incident is being thoroughly and independently investigated. Once it concludes, the findings will be presented to the Cherokee County Attorney to determine if criminal charges will be filed.

Nothing further can be released at this time.

Joplin Police subsequently released more details as well. Read their full press release below:

This press release is to update information concerning the officer-involved shooting that occurred in Baxter Springs, Kansas on Saturday, March 26th, 2022. The Joplin Police Department felt it critical to update the public based upon recent preliminary findings.  

On March 26th, 2022 the Joplin Police Department responded to Baxter Springs, Kansas, as part of a mutual aid request for assistance with an active threat and hostage situation relating to a  domestic disturbance. An adult male, who was later identified as Eli Crawford, was barricaded in a travel trailer with his 2-year-old daughter, Clesslynn Crawford, and was actively shooting at law enforcement officers firing over 90 rounds. Crawford had shot and killed Taylor Shutte, the mother of Clesslynn Crawford, as Baxter Springs officers arrived on scene.  

The Joplin Police Department SWAT Team was activated and responded. After Joplin SWAT arrived on scene, the suspect continued firing at law enforcement officers. During the over two-hour incident, a member of the Joplin SWAT Team was involved in a shooting on scene. Following the conclusion of the incident, the officer was placed on routine administrative leave per department policy. Preliminary information has been found to show that Clesslynn Crawford was struck and killed by the round fired by the Joplin Officer. A separate internal investigation is ongoing.  

This is a horrific outcome to what had already started as a very tragic incident. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families involved and the surrounding community. We ask that you pray for the victims and everyone involved. 

The Joplin Police Department is actively cooperating with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation as part of the ongoing investigation. At this time no further information will be released.