Law enforcement across the nation are mourning the deaths of two Christian County Sheriff’s deputies who were shot and killed in the line of duty on Monday.
Deputy Gabriel Ramirez, 30, joined the Christian County Sheriff’s Office on March 14th, 2025. Sheriff Brad Cole says though his time with the agency was brief, his commitment to serving others and protecting the community was clear from the very beginning.
Ramirez was shot and killed by Richard Bird from Galena during a traffic stop around 4pm Monday on Highway 160 near Highway HH in the Highlandville area.
A manhunt for Bird ensued and ended early Tuesday morning when the suspect was shot and killed by law enforcement in Reeds Spring, but not before three other deputies were shot, two from Christian County and one from Webster County.
Deputy Michael Hislope, 40, died from his injuries early Tuesday. Sheriff Cole says Hislope served the community honorably since October 28th, 2019. Cole says he was a dedicated deputy, a trusted colleague, and a valued member of the sheriff’s office family.
In a Facebook post, the sheriff says “these men answered the call to serve, putting the safety of others before their own, including serving our nation in the U.S. Army. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to Christian County will never be forgotten.” “We ask our community to keep their families, friends and fellow deputies in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Sheriff Cole said.
The two deputies who were shot and wounded include one from the Christian County Sheriff’s Office and one from the Webster County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say their injuries aren’t believed to be life-threatening.
