Missouri police say Eli Crawford fired multiple rounds at them during a standoff that lasted three hours before turning the gun on himself and taking his own life.
By the time police entered the mobile home from where Crawford had been firing shots, they found the man’s two-year-old daughter, Clesslynn Crawford, dead from a single gunshot wound.
On Monday, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation announced she had been shot by a Joplin SWAT police officer, according to KWCH.
The incident took place on March 26 after several Missouri law enforcement agencies, including the Baxter Springs and Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, responded to a call of domestic violence at the home.
Taylor Dawn Shutte, the mother of the toddler, had called 911 about an ongoing domestic abuse situation with the girl’s father.
Eli Crawford, 37, opened the door when police arrived but then quickly shut it when realizing it was the police. Moments later, the toddler re-opened the door and her mother ran outside.
However, Eli Crawford shot her multiple times which sparked the lengthy standoff in which police say he fired off more than 90 rounds.
More law enforcement agencies arrived to assist in the standoff, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Joplin Police SWAT team.
It is not clear how many rounds were fired by police at this time but one round fired by a Joplin police officer struck the girl.
The Joplin Police Department issued the following statement, according to KDFI:
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.
The cop who fired the shot has not been identified but has been placed on paid administrative leave.
Missouri Deputy Arrested on Charges of Torturing, Killing Girlfriend’s Dog
