2 Christian County deputies killed, 2 other officers wounded; man wanted in shooting also dead
NEAR HIGHLANDVILLE, Mo. (KY3) – A manhunt connected to the killing of a Christian County deputy is over, with a second Christian County deputy killed. The suspect, Richard Bird, was shot and killed by law officers.
Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole says two other deputies, one from Christian County, the other from Webster County, were wounded, with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
The gunfire happened early Tuesday morning, close to the roundabout on State Highway 160 near Reeds Spring, where officers from across the Ozarks had been searching for Bird after Bird’s vehicle was found abandoned.
Cole says Bird ran into a wooded area, and after hours of searching, a Highway Patrol helicopter noticed a moving heat signature. As deputies moved in, Bird started shooting, and deputies returned fire.
The initial shooting began south of Highlandville around 4 p.m. Monday during a traffic stop on State Highway 160 and Route HH.
Richard Bird (Courtesy – Stone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office)(KY3)
Officials have identified the first Christian County deputy killed as Deputy Gabriel Ramirez. He was 30 years old. The second deputy was killed, and the two who were wounded have not been identified.
Deputy Gabriel Ramirez (Courtesy – Christian County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post – July 18, 2025)(KY3)
Sheriff Cole says around 100 officers, deputies, and state troopers assisted in the manhunt. He says US Marshals and agents with the FBI and ATF were also involved.
Law enforcement recovered Bird’s pickup truck in Reeds Spring. Bird is believed to have left the truck and fled into the woods in Stone County, Mo.(KY3)
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