In a tragic turn of events, 33-year-old Katherine 'Katie' Bjorklund was killed on the night of Thursday, February 27, 2025, in Riverside, Missouri. The incident, which took place in the parking lot of a car wash near Northwest Vivian Road and Northwest High Drive, was the result of a carjacking. Bjorklund, a resident of Kansas City, Missouri, was fatally shot during the encounter.
Remembered as a fun, energetic, and loving person with a deep passion for animals, Katie worked at the Barry
Road Animal Hospital. Friends and family described her as the heart of their family, someone who brought people together and could make them laugh even on their worst days. A vigil was held in her honor where dozens gathered to remember her as a loving daughter and loyal friend.
The man suspected of killing Katherine Bjorklund and also a 12-year-old boy, Giuliani Calderon, was identified as George C. Manning. Following the initial crimes, Manning prompted an Amber Alert by taking his 5-year-old daughter. His multi-state crime spree came to an end when he was killed in a subsequent shootout with police.
