1. United States
2. N.J.
3. Letter

Between Monday and Tuesday, 23rd and 24th of February, our community in Christian County, Missouri faced an unimaginable tragedy that has left us heartbroken and questioning the fabric of our justice system. Two devoted deputies, Gabriel Ramirez and Michael (Mike) Hislope, committed to protecting and serving, lost their lives to a convicted and dangerous felon. I can speak to their character and spirit. Mike was one of my closest friends, he was always just a phone call away — and now he’s gone. Gabe was always there to help his friends; he served his community both on and off duty. Both leave a void in my life, the lives of their families, friends and fellow residents of Christian County. I know Mike is looking down telling me to stop “being a little b,” (as he always so endearingly would say), so while I figure out how to stop these tears, it’s time for action. It’s time for accountability. These murders were avoidable. The killer, Richard Dean Bird, had a long criminal history. Most notably, he was charged with attempted first-degree murder in 2014 after shooting at police. Despite his lengthy track record of violent behavior, Bird was released on bond days before the killings on February 20, 2026, after being arrested on charges of second-degree burglary, unlawful possession of a firearm and stealing property valued at $750 or more, according to news reports. This tragedy serves as a loud alarm that something must change in Missouri’s and other states’ laws regarding bail and bonds. This is not the first time a violent felon, who’s proven to be capable of lethal behavior, has been allowed to walk free. This happens time and time again even though individuals with violent criminal histories are prone to re-offend if released on bond. We need to keep violent repeat offenders incarcerated until their new charges are adjudicated. It is a practical step to preventing further tragedies. NO BOND FOR VIOLENT REPEAT OFFENDERS. This last week has been a whirlwind, it’s been tragic. Two senseless deaths because law makers, judges and bond companies are soft on their repeat customers. Imagine a world where a man convicted of shooting a deputy was not allowed out on bond when he decided to also break into someone’s house and steal property…sounds sensible, right? If a person is convicted of a violent crime, then CONTINUES to commit felonies, they should not be out. They have proven their intentions. Please sign this petition so lawmakers in Missouri — and other states — who undoubtedly are not known for their speed, start fixing this problem. NO BONDS ON NEW FELONY CASES FOR ANYONE WHO WAS PREVIOUSLY CONVICTED OF A DANGEROUS OR VIOLENT CRIME.  This is for the boys. I love you, Mike. Till we meet, again, in heaven, Gabe.