On a tragic Friday morning, June 15, 2018, in Kansas City, Kansas, the life of 35-year-old White/Caucasian male Patrick Rohrer, a dedicated Wyandotte County Sheriff's deputy, was cut short. Rohrer, a seven-year veteran of the department, was transporting an inmate with his partner, Deputy Theresa King, from the jail to the Wyandotte County Correctional and Court Services building for a hearing.
The routine task turned deadly in a secured parking area behind the courthouse.
As the deputies were removing the inmate from the transport van, he managed to overpower them, reportedly seizing one of their firearms. In the ensuing struggle, both Deputy Rohrer and Deputy King were shot. Rohrer was rushed to the University of Kansas Hospital but succumbed to his injuries that same day. His partner, Deputy King, also mortally wounded, passed away shortly after midnight. Despite her grave injuries, one of the deputies was able to return fire, wounding the suspect and preventing his escape.
The inmate responsible for the fatal shootings was identified as Antoine Fielder. Fielder, who was 30 years old at the time of the incident, had a significant criminal history and was in custody on several criminal charges. He was also injured during the exchange of gunfire and was hospitalized in stable condition following the event.
In the aftermath of the violent encounter, the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department led the investigation. Investigators confirmed they were not looking for any other suspects, as the incident was contained to the three individuals in the parking lot. Antoine Fielder was subsequently charged with two counts of capital murder. To avoid the death penalty, Fielder pleaded guilty and received two life sentences for the murders of Deputy Rohrer and Deputy King.
