Two sheriff’s deputies in Kansas were killed in the line of duty on Friday as they transported an inmate from jail to a court hearing.
According to Fox News, 44-year-old Theresa King and 35-year-old Patrick Rohrer were shot, possibly with their own weapons, as they drove the suspect to court.
Antoine Fielder, 22, had faced trial twice for murder, both of which ended with a hung jury. His most recent murder charge was connected to the death of a 55-year-old woman.
Reports indicate both deputies are survived by children.
King, who had been with the agency for 13 years, had three children. Rohrer had two children; he had been a Wyandotte County deputy for seven years.
Additional details were scarce as authorities continued their investigation and urged anyone with information to report it.
“This incident remains under investigation by the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, who is encouraging anyone with information to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474- TIPS (8477),” a sheriff’s office statement said.
Kansas City police spokesman Zac Blair said investigators are reviewing surveillance footage in an effort to further understand the circumstances.
His and other local agencies extended their own thoughts and prayers to the family and colleagues of the fallen officers.
“We continue to pray for our brothers and sister with the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Department as we lose our sister this morning,” a Kansas City Police Department statement read. “No words could explain the feelings and emotions you feel. Praying for Wyandotte County!!”
[Featured image: Theresa King and Patrick Rohrer/Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office]