Key Highlights
- A manhunt for a suspect who shot and killed Christian County Deputy Gabriel Ramirez ended in a shootout where another deputy was also killed.
- The suspect, Richard Dean Bird, has a criminal history including an incident where he fired shots at a Kansas City-area sheriff’s deputy in 2014.
- Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole praised his fallen officers for protecting the community and thanked law enforcement for their efforts to apprehend the suspect.
The tragic events in southwest Missouri on February 23, 2026, are a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement. Richard Dean Bird, 45, was shot and killed early Tuesday morning after a lengthy manhunt that spanned multiple counties.
Escalating Conflict
The saga began when Bird allegedly shot and killed Christian County Deputy Gabriel Ramirez during a traffic stop on Monday afternoon. This act of violence prompted law enforcement to launch an extensive manhunt, with authorities from across southwest Missouri joining the effort.
On Tuesday morning, just hours after deputies were first alerted to Bird’s presence in nearby Stone County, the situation took a deadly turn. After searching for Bird for several hours, officers finally caught up with him and engaged in gunfire early Tuesday afternoon. That’s when another Christian County deputy was shot and killed, adding a tragic layer of complexity to an already tense scenario.
A Man with a History
Bird’s criminal history is extensive, dating back to 2014 when he was arrested for allegedly firing shots at a Johnson County, Kansas, sheriff’s deputy investigating a theft. According to records, Bird fired multiple shots from a rifle but was not hit himself.
His record also includes convictions for burglary, receiving stolen property, tampering with evidence, and theft, among others. In 2024, he faced charges in Taney County for second-degree burglary and first-degree trespassing, having forced entry into an inhabitable structure while armed.
Paying Tribute
Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his deputies. “We do what we have to do to make sure that our citizens are safe,” he told reporters, according to the Springfield Daily Citizen. “And that’s what we did today. We took a bad guy off the street and sent him where he needed to be.”
Local law enforcement departments also issued statements expressing their condolences and gratitude for the services provided by the Christian County Sheriff’s Office. The Billings Police Department, located in Christian County, posted messages on social media, asking people to pray for the families of the fallen deputies and for those involved in subsequent operations.
The events in Missouri are a somber reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement every day.
As we remember Deputy Gabriel Ramirez and Deputy Michael Hislope, it is clear that their sacrifice will not be forgotten. The ongoing search for justice in this case highlights the relentless dedication of public servants who put themselves on the line to protect our communities.