Missouri State Highway Patrol Hires Sniper Involved in Fatal Shooting of 2-Year-Old
In 2022, a tragic incident occurred in Joplin, Missouri, where police sniper Keaton Siebanaler mistakenly shot and killed 2-year-old Clesslynn Crawford during a hostage standoff. For nearly four years, the identity of the sniper, referred to as 'Sniper 1,' was kept confidential by the city of Joplin. However, KCUR and The Midwest Newsroom pursued legal action to reveal Siebanaler's identity. Recently, Siebanaler was hired by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and graduated from their academy. He is now assigned to patrol Vernon and Barton counties, located about an hour south of Kansas City. Despite the fatal shooting, Siebanaler has not faced any disciplinary actions or charges related to the incident. 
