The Christian County Sheriff’s Office has reported the tragic loss of two deputies, Gabriel Ramirez and Michael Hislope, who lost their lives in a violent incident involving a man with a troubling criminal history. Deputy Ramirez, aged 30, began his service with the sheriff’s office in March 2025, while Deputy Hislope, 40, had been serving the community since 2019.
Authorities have identified Richard Dean Bird, 45, as the individual responsible for the fatal shooting of Deputy Ramirez during a traffic stop on Monday afternoon. Following the shooting, Bird fled, prompting a lengthy manhunt that culminated early Tuesday when law enforcement engaged him in a shootout in a nearby county. During this confrontation, Deputy Hislope was also killed, and two additional deputies sustained injuries—one from Christian County and another from Webster County.
Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole expressed his sorrow and recognized the difficult days ahead for the department and the community. He stated, “It’s been a long day. It’s been a trying day… And the upcoming days are going to be harder than today was.” Sheriff Cole paid tribute to the fallen deputies, emphasizing their dedication to ensuring the safety of residents in Christian County.
Bird’s criminal background adds a somber layer to this incident, as he has a history of violent offenses linked to law enforcement in the Kansas City area. His previous encounters with the law include an arrest in 2014 for allegedly firing shots at a sheriff’s deputy, which led to charges of attempted murder and multiple convictions in both Kansas and Missouri. Most recently, he had been released from the Kansas Department of Corrections in April 2023 and faced charges for burglary and trespassing in Taney County, Missouri, shortly before the fatal incident.
Following the shooting, local police departments, including the Billings Police Department, shared messages of support on social media, urging the community to pray for the families affected and for the law enforcement officers involved in the manhunt. The Aurora Police Department also expressed solidarity with their peers in the Christian County Sheriff’s Office and acknowledged the collective trauma experienced by those in the line of duty.
As the investigation continues, the community comes together to support the families of the fallen deputies and law enforcement officers, emphasizing the importance of their service in creating safer neighborhoods. The heroic actions of the deputies, who risked their lives to protect others, will not be forgotten as the healing process begins in the wake of this tragedy.