Kansas City Community Rallies for Justice After Tragic Police Shooting
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The heart-wrenching loss of a mother and her infant daughter has sent ripples of grief and anger throughout the community. Maria Pike and her baby, Destinii Hope, were killed earlier this month in an Independence police shooting, and now the Kansas City Law Enforcement Accountability Project (KC LEAP) is stepping up to provide vital support for their devastated family.
This nonprofit organization, founded in 2021, is dedicated to helping families affected by police violence and holding law enforcement accountable for their actions. “We work to hold police accountable and advocate for victims of police violence,” explained Steve Young, co-founder of KC LEAP. “We provide the community’s perspective when there are police-involved shootings.”
No Partnership with Law Enforcement
Unlike many organizations that might seek cooperation with law enforcement, KC LEAP takes a different route. Their primary mission is to create a trusting atmosphere for families in crisis, which often means establishing a firewall between themselves and the police. This approach is meant to preserve anonymity and maintain focus on supporting the families they serve.
You’d think this would be a straightforward process, but for the family grieving the loss of Maria and Destinii, the situation has been immensely challenging. Young represents Mitchell Holder, the family member calling for real changes in local policing practices. “A gun was used by another person and it killed a baby and a mother,” he emphasized. “There is no other way you can describe it — it’s an act of violence.”
Seeking Transparency and Accountability
As part of their advocacy, the Independence Police Department recently released snippets of body camera footage that captures the moments leading up to this tragic incident. However, the family of Maria and Destinii feels hurt and frustrated having learned about the existence of these videos through the media rather than direct communication with the police.
Holder articulated their pain perfectly, stating, “My exact words was, ‘You killed her.’” Young echoed this sentiment, explaining that the family is demanding full transparency and wants to review the complete video footage of the incident. “They’re having a hard time. It was really hard for them to find out about this video through the media,” he said.
Peaceful Rally to Promote Change
In an effort to advocate for improved de-escalation methods and non-lethal uses of force, the family has worked with KC LEAP to organize a peaceful rally this Sunday from 2-4 p.m. outside the Independence Police Department. Holder’s family hopes this gathering will serve as a pivotal moment for raising awareness and fostering meaningful change within law enforcement.
“It has to be a teaching moment for the police. I know it’s hard to look at themselves and say, ‘Hey, we did something wrong; let’s try to fix it,’” remarked Young. “There has to be a different type of protocol that’s learned or taught from this incident; it can’t continue like this.”
The Call for Justice
The public is encouraged to come out, lend their voices, and show support for the family during this difficult time. According to KC LEAP, family members, including Destinii and Maria’s loved ones, will be speaking to attendees about their ongoing pursuit of justice. “We need to let them know, we are still seeking justice,” Young emphasized, showcasing the determination brewing within this grieving family.
The tragic loss of Maria Pike and her baby has opened a dialogue on the relationship between police and the communities they are sworn to protect. This rally is not just an event — it’s a call to action, a movement pushing for justice, transparency, and heartfelt accountability. As the community gathers, it stands in solidarity with those who have suffered greatly, seeking a brighter path forward.
