(KTTS News/AP) — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says a toddler found dead inside a home in Baxter Springs, Kansas after a standoff between her father and law enforcement officers was shot to death by a Joplin police officer.

Joplin SWAT team members were called to the scene March 26 to help with a hostage situation.

Eli Crawford fired shots at police for three hours, eventually killing 27-year-old Taylor Schutte when she left their home.

Crawford was eventually found dead.

It’s believed he shot himself.

Police later found his two-year-old daughter dead.

Authorities first thought that Crawford shot her.

The Joplin Police officer is on paid leave while authorities investigate.

Press Release

This press release is to update information concerning the officer involved shooting that occurred in Baxter Springs, Kansas on Saturday, March 26th, 2022.

The Joplin Police Department felt it critical to update the public based upon recently preliminary findings.

On March 26th, 2022 the Joplin Police Department responded to Baxter Springs, Kansas as part of a mutual aid request for assistance with an active threat and hostage situation relating to a domestic disturbance.

An adult male, who was later identified as Eli Crawford, was barricaded in a travel trailer with his 2 year old daughter, Clesslynn Crawford, and was actively shooting at law enforcement officers firing over 90 rounds.

Crawford had shot and killed Taylor Shutte, the mother of Clesslynn Crawford, as Baxter Springs officers arrived on scene.

The Joplin Police Department SWAT Team was activated and responded.

After Joplin SWAT arrived on scene, the suspect continued firing at law enforcement officers.

During the over two hour incident, a member of the Joplin SWAT Team was involved in a shooting on scene.

Following the conclusion of the incident, the officer was placed on routine administrative leave
per department policy.

Preliminary information has been found to show that Clesslynn Crawford was struck and killed by the round fired by the Joplin Officer.

A separate internal investigation is ongoing.

This is a horrific outcome to what had already started as a very tragic incident.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families involved and the surrounding community.

We ask that you pray for the victims and everyone involved.