Deputy Michael Hislope - Christian County Sheriffs Office - Missouri

On February 24, 2026, Deputy Michael Hislop of the Christian County Sheriff's Office (Missouri) was shot and killed while searching for and attempting to apprehend the suspect who killed his partner, Deputy Gabriel Ramirez, the previous day.    

While conducting this traffic stop, Deputy Ramirez was shot and killed by the suspect driver.  The suspect fled, and a manhunt ensued. Responding officers found the suspect's truck abandoned near Reeds Spring on State Highway 160. Using the suspect's heat signature, the Missouri State Highway Patrol tracked the suspect in the woods.

When officers approached the suspect, he fired at officers, striking and killing Deputy Sheriff Michael Hislope with the Christian County Sheriff's Office and wounding two deputies, one with the Christian County Sheriff's Office and the other with the Webster County Sheriff's Office.  Deputy Hislope was shot and killed while attempting to provide aid to the other officers who had been shot.

The suspect, a convicted felon who had posted bail on February 20, 2026, for an additional crime, was killed in return gunfire.

Deputy Hislope was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Christian County Sheriff's Office for over six years and was 40 years old.  

As part of our "Plaques for Heroes" mission, engraved slate memorial plaques were sent to the Christian County Sheriff's Office and to Deputy Michael Hislope's family at no cost to honor his service and his sacrifice to the community of Christian County, Missouri. Our condolences to his family, his department and the community he served.