On a tragic Friday in Kansas City, Kansas, the life of a dedicated public servant, 44-year-old Theresa King, a White female, was cut short in a sudden act of violence. On June 15, 2018, Deputy King and her partner, Deputy Patrick Rohrer, were transporting an inmate near the Wyandotte County Courthouse. As they were moving the shackled and handcuffed individual from the transport van in a gated sally port, a struggle ensued.
The inmate managed to overpower the deputies and gain control of one of their firearms.
The situation escalated rapidly as the inmate opened fire, fatally wounding both Deputy Rohrer and Deputy King. Despite being mortally wounded, one of the deputies was able to return fire, striking the inmate. The violent encounter, which took place in what should have been a secure area, ended with two fallen officers and an injured suspect. Deputy Rohrer, a seven-year veteran of the department, died shortly after the shooting. Deputy King, who had served with the Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office for 13 years, was rushed to the University of Kansas Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries just after midnight on June 16, 2018. A mother of three, she was remembered by friends as a vibrant person who always brought a smile to the faces of those around her.
The inmate who perpetrated the attack was immediately taken into custody at the scene. He survived his injuries and was subsequently charged with the murders of the two deputies. To avoid the death penalty, the suspect pleaded guilty to two counts of capital murder and one count of aggravated robbery. He was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for his crimes, bringing a legal conclusion to the devastating loss of two dedicated law enforcement officers. The community mourned the loss of Deputy King and her partner, holding candlelight vigils and honoring their selfless service and ultimate sacrifice.
