Suspect Shot Dead, Manhunt Concludes After Two Deputy Sheriffs Killed in Missouri
On February 24, 2026 (Eastern Time), the statewide Blue Alert in Missouri was officially canceled. This decision came after the suspect involved in the shooting that killed two deputy sheriffs was shot dead by law enforcement. Officials confirmed that Richard Bird, the primary suspect in the case, died after an overnight shootout.
Key Developments in the Case
- The first shooting occurred around 4 p.m. Monday, near the Highlandville area.
- Deputy Sheriff Gabriel Ramirez, 30, of the Christian County Sheriff's Office, was fatally shot during a traffic stop on State Highway 160 near Route HH.
- Subsequently, a second Christian County deputy sheriff also died in the same incident.
- Additionally, another Christian County deputy sheriff and a Webster County deputy sheriff were injured in a shootout with the suspect.
Earlier, suspect Richard Bird had just been released from jail on Saturday. Immediately after the initial shooting, authorities quickly issued a statewide Blue Alert to locate the subject. The suspect's truck was later discovered in Stone County, triggering a large-scale, multi-hour manhunt.
The manhunt concluded with a second shootout that resulted in the suspect's death, ending the threat. However, officials have not yet released further details about the motive for the crime or the specific condition of the injured officers. Information related to the incident is still being updated.
