Family seeks justice for 2-year-old killed by SWAT Officer

JOPLIN, Mo.- In a heart-wrenching incident that has gripped Baxter Springs, Kansas, a SWAT team officer known only as "Sniper One" fatally shot 2-year-old Clesslynn Crawford while responding to a domestic violence call in March 2022. The tragic event unfolded when Cherokee County Sheriff's deputies were called to a home on Wyandotte Avenue, where they encountered Eli Crawford, who had reportedly shot Taylor Shutte and then barricaded himself and his daughter inside the house. The standoff with law enforcement lasted over three hours, ending when officers entered the residence to find both Eli and his daughter deceased.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) later revealed that the toddler’s death was caused by a bullet fired by a Joplin Police Department officer. Since the incident, the officer has sought to conceal their identity through court petitions, citing concerns for their safety. This has sparked significant controversy and a legal struggle by the Crawford family to uncover the officer's name.

"We still mourn this little girl every single day. He knew there was a child in the home, and he should have used his brain instead of just taking a free shot," expressed Tedra, Clesslynn’s aunt, underscoring the family's grief and frustration.

The ongoing dispute has extended into the courts, with the family arguing that the community deserves to know the identity of the officer involved. "If they keep his name quiet, how can we, as in the community, feel safe and protected if he's still employed with the Joplin Police Department? Where's our protection?" Tedra continued, voicing concerns over community safety.

Despite the passage of more than two years since the shooting, Sniper One remains an active member of the Joplin Police force, a fact that only fuels the family's and community’s unrest. The family's plight and their quest for transparency have not only led to legal motions but also plans for public protests, as they seek justice for Clesslynn.

"It's a hard topic, but it makes you uncomfortable so, what? We're not going to stop talking about it," stated Brooklyn, Clesslynn’s cousin, signaling the family's resolve to keep fighting for their cause.

In memory of Clesslynn, her family continues to honor her life through various memorials and advocacy, determined to ensure her story prompts changes in law enforcement protocols and accountability.

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