A2026-01
January 6, 2026

EMPHASIS: In-Custody Death Investigation - Johnson County, MO

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control is investigating the death of a subject after being taken into custody by troopers in Johnson County, MO. This investigation is ongoing, and all information is currently preliminary.

On Monday, January 5, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Johnson County Central Dispatch center contacted Troop A Communications and requested troopers respond to a burglary in progress in the 100 Block of State Route D in Knob Noster. The subject was allegedly breaking windows out on an apartment. Two troopers and officers from the Knob Noster Police Department arrived on scene and located the subject, who was armed with a knife, outside the apartment complex. Troopers gave the subject verbal commands to drop the knife, but he did not comply. A trooper deployed their taser, and the subject was taken into custody.

Shortly after being taken into custody, the subject became unconscious. EMS personnel were requested and life saving measures were initiated by officers on scene. Ultimately, the subject was pronounced deceased at the scene. The subject has been identified as Bender B. Atty, a 34-year-old male from Spokane, WA. Next of kin notification has been made. An autopsy will be scheduled at a later date.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control is conducting the in-custody death investigation. The Johnson County Sheriff's Office is conducting the burglary investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, all reports will be forwarded to the Johnson County Prosecuting Attorney for review.