Kansas City Tragedy: KANSAS CITY, MO – A devastating act of domestic violence has left a Kansas City neighborhood in shock after a tragic shooting claimed the lives of three women and a family pet. The suspect, Armando Navarro, 50, is now in custody facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder and attempted murder. The horrifying event unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, February 2, 2025, on the 4100 block of NW 65th Street.
Timeline of the Incident: A Night of Unthinkable Violence
The Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) responded to a distress call around 12:40 a.m. after a neighbor reported that a woman, visibly injured and terrified, had sought refuge at her door. Upon arrival, officers discovered a grim scene inside the home—three women and a dog fatally shot. The victims were identified as:
Copperas Cove Death & Obituary: Mother of Five Fatally Shot in Suspected Domestic Violence Incident
- Hailey Hopcus, 24
- Jodie Hopcus, 49 (Hailey’s mother)
- Sherri Duncan, 73 (Hailey’s grandmother)
A fourth victim, Hailey’s sister and the daughter of Jodie, miraculously survived after escaping the house and alerting neighbors.
What Led to the Tragic Shooting?
According to reports, the violence began with a heated argument between Jodie Hopcus and her boyfriend, Armando Navarro. The couple had a history of frequent disputes, and tensions escalated when Jodie insisted that Navarro leave their home. As the argument intensified, Navarro retrieved a handgun and began shooting.
- Jodie Hopcus was the first to be shot, initially struck in the arm as she tried to protect her daughter.
- When Navarro ran out of ammunition, he grabbed a knife before arming himself with another firearm.
- Despite Jodie’s efforts to shield her daughter, Navarro fatally shot her in the head.
- Sherri Duncan had already succumbed to her injuries by this time.
- The surviving victim barely escaped as a bullet grazed her hair. She fled to a neighbor’s home while Navarro fled the scene.
Suspect’s Arrest and Charges
Navarro fled Kansas City in a white 2020 Ford Expedition registered to one of the victims. His escape ended in Abilene, Kansas, where he was arrested by the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department and Kansas Highway Patrol. Authorities were tipped off after Navarro’s son contacted them, revealing that his father had confessed to the killings over the phone.
Navarro now faces multiple charges, including:
- Three counts of first-degree murder
- Four counts of armed criminal action
- One count of first-degree assault
- One count of animal abuse
His initial court appearance has yet to be scheduled.
Community Response and Call for Action Against Domestic Violence
This tragic incident serves as a harrowing reminder of the dangers of domestic violence. Authorities continue their investigation, with forensic experts from the Missouri Bureau of Investigation (MBI) assisting in evidence collection. Law enforcement urges anyone with additional information to come forward by contacting Crime Stoppers at (816) 474-TIPS.
Conclusion: A Call for Awareness and Prevention
The loss of three generations of women in a single night has deeply impacted the Kansas City community. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on seeking justice for the victims and supporting those affected by this unimaginable loss. This tragedy highlights the urgent need for stronger domestic violence prevention measures and community awareness to prevent future incidents of escalating domestic disputes.
For those experiencing domestic violence or knowing someone at risk, resources are available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for confidential support and guidance.