Woman Accused of Killing Paramedic Days After Nearly Biting ‘Chunk’ Out of Cop’s Arm

KANSAS CITY, MO — A Missouri woman is accused of fatally stabbing a paramedic inside a moving ambulance, just five days after allegedly biting a police officer so severely he feared losing a chunk of his arm, according to prosecutors.

Shanetta Bossell, 39, is charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, third-degree assault, and resisting arrest after the early Sunday morning attack on Kansas City paramedic firefighter Graham Hoffman.

The man was treating Bossell during a hospital transport when she allegedly pulled out a folding knife and stabbed him mid-ride.

The ambulance driver reportedly pulled over after hearing Hoffman call for help and discovered a violent struggle. Prosecutors say Hoffman died at the scene. A knife was recovered inside the ambulance, though investigators have not determined whether it belonged to Bossell or was equipment from the emergency vehicle.

Just days earlier, Bossell had been released on bond after allegedly attacking an off-duty police officer who caught her trying to break into cars. According to court documents, she bit the officer’s arm and refused to let go, nearly tearing off a piece of flesh.

After the ambulance incident, Bossell allegedly attempted to bite another officer who was following the vehicle. The officer was only able to stop her after striking her with the butt of his service weapon, records show.

According to her probable cause statement, when Bossell attacked the cop last week she noticed that the officer — who "just got off work" and allegedly spotted Bossell trying to get into people's cars, including his own - had a knife on his police vest and she "tried to grab it several times."

"He kept Bossell from grabbing his knife and tried to get on his police radio to get help to his location," a statement says. "As he was reaching for his radio, Bossell took advantage of the situation and bit him on his left forearm. Bossell refused to let go and he tried to yank his arm free, as it would possibly rip a chunk of his arm out. Officers of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department arrived on scene and placed Bossell in custody."

Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson stated that Bossell had no prior convictions for violent crimes. Her bond in the murder case was set at $1 million.

“In the state of Missouri, all defendants are presumed to be competent,” Thompson said. “Any issues with mental health can be addressed during court proceedings.”