Hailey Hopcus, 24, Jodie Hopcus, 49, and Sherri Duncan, 73: Kansas City Man Charged with Triple Homicide and Animal Abuse Following Domestic Dispute
Kansas City, MO – February 3, 2025 – Hailey Hopcus, 24, Jodie Hopcus, 49, and Sherri Duncan, 73, tragically lost their lives in a violent domestic dispute in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 2, 2025. They were all found deceased in a Kansas City residence after a shooting spree that also resulted in the death of a family dog and the attempted murder of another victim, who managed to escape the scene. Armando Navarro, 50, the boyfriend of Jodie Hopcus, has been arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree murder, one count of animal abuse, and multiple other charges.
Background and Relationship Between Victims
The three victims were close family members, each with a deeply entwined relationship. Hailey Hopcus, 24, was the granddaughter of Sherri Duncan, 73, and the daughter of Jodie Hopcus, 49. This familial bond formed the foundation of their tight-knit household, where, on the tragic morning of February 2, 2025, their lives were ripped apart by a violent act of domestic violence.
Sherri Duncan, the matriarch of the family, was 73 years old at the time of her death. She had been the cornerstone of the family for many years, providing wisdom and comfort to her daughter, Jodie, and her granddaughter, Hailey. Known for her kindness and nurturing nature, Sherri’s death is a devastating loss to the family and the Kansas City community. Her sudden death has left a hole in the hearts of all who knew her, especially her surviving family members.
Jodie Hopcus, 49, was a dedicated mother and daughter, known for her strong-willed personality and her unwavering love for her family. As a mother, she had always been protective of her children, particularly Hailey, whom she had raised with care and devotion. Tragically, Jodie’s life was taken when she tried to shield her daughter from harm, a final act of bravery and love that reflects the depth of her devotion to her family.
Hailey Hopcus, 24, was a bright young woman whose life was tragically cut short by the senseless violence that took place in her own home. As the granddaughter of Sherri Duncan and the daughter of Jodie Hopcus, Hailey’s life had just begun to blossom. Friends and family remember her as a joyful and compassionate person who always tried to make those around her feel loved and appreciated. Her death is not only a loss to her immediate family but also to the greater Kansas City community, which will forever feel the impact of her passing.
The Violent Incident: A Timeline of Tragedy
The violence began around 12:40 a.m. on February 2, 2025, when officers from the Kansas City Police Department responded to an emergency call from a neighbor. The neighbor reported that a distressed woman had knocked on her door, claiming she had been shot at. Upon arrival, officers discovered a horrifying scene inside the home at 4100 NW 65th Street.
Three victims, all women, were found deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. The victims included Hailey Hopcus, 24; her mother, Jodie Hopcus, 49; and her grandmother, Sherri Duncan, 73. The dog of the family, also fatally shot, was found among the victims. The surviving victim, who has not been publicly identified, managed to escape the scene and alert the neighbors. She was later described as the daughter of Jodie Hopcus and the sister of Hailey Hopcus.
According to the surviving victim’s account, the shooting incident began after an argument between Jodie Hopcus and her boyfriend, Armando Navarro, 50. The couple had a history of frequent disputes, and on the night of the shooting, their argument escalated. At one point, Navarro allegedly pleaded with Jodie to let him stay, claiming he had nowhere else to go. However, Jodie insisted that he leave.
What followed was a horrifying escalation of violence. As the surviving victim prepared for bed, she overheard the argument. She then heard the sound of gunfire as Navarro, instead of leaving the house as expected, retrieved a small handgun. The gunfire continued as Navarro opened fire on Jodie Hopcus, initially shooting her in the arm. Jodie, trying to protect her daughter, was later shot in the head while attempting to escape.
Hailey’s grandmother, Sherri Duncan, had already fallen victim to Navarro’s brutality by the time Jodie was fatally shot. The surviving victim managed to narrowly escape as Navarro fired at her, grazing her hair with a bullet.
Despite the horror unfolding around her, the surviving victim managed to seek refuge at a neighboring residence. She could still hear Navarro calling her name, indicating that he was aware she had escaped. Moments later, he fled the scene in a white 2020 Ford Expedition, which was registered to one of the victims.
Navarro’s Capture and Charges
Following the brutal shooting, Navarro fled the scene, but authorities were able to track him down. At approximately 2:00 a.m. on February 2, 2025, Navarro made a call to his son, confessing to the killings and stating that he “killed them all.” The son immediately contacted law enforcement, providing them with crucial information about Navarro’s location.
Navarro was apprehended in Abilene, Kansas, by officers from the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol. The arrest came after a brief manhunt and was made possible by Navarro’s son’s timely tip-off to the authorities. He is currently being held at the Dickinson County Jail and faces multiple charges, including:
- Three counts of First-Degree Murder (Felony)
- Four counts of Armed Criminal Action (Felony)
- One count of First-Degree Assault (Felony)
- One count of Animal Abuse (Misdemeanor)
His initial court appearance has not been scheduled, but authorities have stated that they will be pursuing the most severe charges available under the law.
Investigation and Ongoing Search for Answers
The Kansas City Police Department, along with the Missouri Bureau of Investigation (MBI), is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths. Forensic analysis and evidence collection are underway as authorities work to understand the full scope of the violence that occurred inside the home. The surviving family members are cooperating with investigators, but at this time, additional details about the incident remain under investigation.
The Kansas City community is in shock following the brutal killings, with many expressing disbelief that such violence could occur within a family. As authorities work to piece together the details of the incident, they are asking anyone with additional information to come forward.
The Missouri Bureau of Investigation (MBI) is offering assistance in analyzing the evidence and has called for the public’s help in shedding light on the events that led to the tragic deaths of Hailey Hopcus, Jodie Hopcus, Sherri Duncan, and the family dog.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact the Kansas City Police Department or to submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at (816) 474-TIPS.
Family and Community’s Response to the Tragedy
The deaths of Hailey Hopcus, Jodie Hopcus, and Sherri Duncan have left a void in the lives of their surviving family members and the greater Kansas City community. Those who knew the victims have expressed deep sorrow, remembering them as kind, loving, and devoted family members. The violence that took their lives has shocked and saddened everyone who knew them.
In the wake of the tragedy, many have expressed their condolences and support for the surviving family members. Local community leaders and activists have also raised concerns about the prevalence of domestic violence and the need for better protection and support systems for those affected by abusive relationships.
As the investigation into the deaths continues, the families of the victims are left to mourn their loss, while the community rallies around them in the aftermath of this senseless act of violence. The tragic deaths of Hailey, Jodie, Sherri, and their beloved dog have left an indelible mark on Kansas City, and their memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved them.
Conclusion: Remembering the Victims of February 2, 2025
The brutal deaths of Hailey Hopcus, 24; Jodie Hopcus, 49; and Sherri Duncan, 73, will forever be remembered as a senseless and devastating act of violence. These three women, along with their family dog, were victims of an escalating domestic dispute that tragically turned deadly. The surviving victim, whose name has not been publicly released, will forever carry the weight of that night with her, but she has shown incredible courage by escaping the violence and alerting the authorities.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the Kansas City community remains in mourning, with many still struggling to comprehend the scope of the tragedy. Those who knew Hailey, Jodie, Sherri, and their dog will continue to honor their memory and remember them as the beloved family members they were, whose lives were tragically cut short.
The heartache caused by this tragedy is felt deeply by all who knew the victims, and the road to justice will likely be long and arduous. However, the survivors and the community at large are united in their commitment to seeking justice for Hailey, Jodie, Sherri, and their dog, and ensuring that such senseless violence does not go unpunished.
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