Veterinarian kills 2 police officers in Mississippi

A veterinarian shot and killed 2 police officers in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, on Wednesday, according to law enforcement authorities.^1,2 Amy Anderson, 43, identified by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS) as the shooter, also died during the incident.¹

According to MDPS, police Sgt. Steven Robin, 34, and Officer Branden Estorffe, 23, both of the Bay St. Louis Police Department, encountered Anderson and a minor individual while responding to a call for a welfare check at the Motel 6 on Highway 90. Following a 30-minute interaction with Anderson and a call to a child protective services resource, she fired a weapon.¹

Both officers were slain by the gunfire shot by Anderson. Robin died at the scene, and Estorffe succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter, according to MDPS. “This is a very sad situation, and our deepest thoughts and condolences go out to the families of our lost officers,” said Bay St. Louis Mayor Mike Favre, in the MDPS statement. “We ask that you pray for the City of Bay St. Louis, the Bay St. Louis Police Department, and their families and that you keep them in your thoughts in the coming days and weeks during this difficult time.”¹

A gunshot wound to the chest also killed Anderson at the scene.¹ She was later determined to have been shot by one of the officers, whose gun was discharged before he fell to the ground with fatal injuries, according to Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindall, in an interview with the Sun Herald of Biloxi, Mississippi.²

The MDPS has not provided additional information about the minor subject. The child’s relationship to Anderson is not yet known.

A resident of Ocean Springs, Mississippi,² Anderson was a veterinarian who practiced small animal medicine with a local hospital and a mobile veterinary service, according to her own Facebook profile.

An investigation into Wednesday’s incident is ongoing, and additional information is expected to be made public once that investigation has been completed, according to MDPS.¹

“A tragedy occurred here [Wednesday] in the city of Bay St. Louis as 2 of our finest officers’ lives were taken. We are gathering facts and will ensure a thorough investigation into this matter,” said Bay St. Louis Police Chief Toby Schwartz, in the MDPS statement.¹

References

1. Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Facebook. December 14, 2022. Accessed December 16, 2022. https://www.facebook.com/MissDPS/
2. Baker M. In his final moments, Bay St. Louis police officer shot veterinarian who opened fire at Motel 6. Sun Herald. December 16, 2022. Accessed December 16, 2022. https://www.sunherald.com/news/local/crime/article270051707.html