Hailey
Authorities have officially released the identity of the stabbing suspect who was shot and killed by law enforcement at the Panasonic battery plant in De Soto, Kansas.
The violent incident unfolded during the late morning hours and resulted in one person critically injured and another dead.
Law enforcement agencies are continuing a full investigation to determine what led to the confrontation inside one of the largest electric vehicle battery facilities in the country.
What Happened at the Panasonic Battery Plant
On Friday, December 12, 2025, just before 11:00 a.m., emergency dispatchers received reports of a stabbing incident inside the Panasonic Energy battery manufacturing plant in De Soto, located in Johnson County, Kansas.
Deputies and local law enforcement officers responded quickly. Upon arrival, officers encountered a scene involving:
- A male victim suffering from multiple stab wounds
- A suspect still at the scene
- A rapidly evolving threat that required immediate action
During the encounter, law enforcement officers discharged their firearms, striking the suspect.
Identity of the Suspect
Authorities identified the suspect as Jonathan Lunceford, a 55-year-old man from Blue Springs, Missouri. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by deputies and emergency medical personnel, Lunceford was pronounced dead at approximately 11:25 a.m. at the scene.
Officials have not yet disclosed the suspect’s motive or whether he had any prior connection to the victim.
Condition of the Victim
The stabbing victim was transported to a nearby hospital with critical injuries. As of the latest update:
- The victim remains hospitalized
- The condition is described as critical
- No additional details about identity or employment status have been released
Law Enforcement Response and Safety Update
Authorities confirmed that:
- No law enforcement officers were injured
- There was no active shooter threat to the public or employees
- The situation was contained quickly after officers arrived
Panasonic officials stated that they are fully cooperating with investigators and are prioritizing employee safety following the incident.
About the Panasonic Battery Plant
The Panasonic battery plant in De Soto is one of the most significant industrial projects in Kansas history. The facility:
- Opened earlier in 2025
- Focuses on electric vehicle battery production
- Employs approximately 1,200 workers in its early operational phase
- Was still partially under construction at the time of the incident
Operations at the plant were temporarily disrupted while law enforcement secured the scene.
Investigation Status
The incident is being reviewed by the Johnson County Officer Involved Critical Incident Investigations Team, with leadership from the Olathe Police Department and assistance from state investigators.
Key unanswered questions include:
- What triggered the stabbing
- The relationship between the suspect and the victim
- Whether the suspect or victim were employees, contractors, or visitors
Authorities have stated that more information will be released once the investigation progresses.
Key Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | December 12, 2025 |
| Time | Around 10:59 a.m. |
| Location | Panasonic Battery Plant, De Soto, Kansas |
| Suspect Name | Jonathan Lunceford |
| Suspect Age | 55 years old |
| Suspect Residence | Blue Springs, Missouri |
| Suspect Outcome | Shot by law enforcement, pronounced dead |
| Victim Condition | Critical |
| Officer Injuries | None reported |
| Plant Status | Partially operational |
| Investigation Lead | Olathe Police Department |
The fatal officer-involved shooting at the Panasonic battery plant in De Soto has raised serious questions about workplace safety and the events that led to a violent confrontation.
While the suspect, Jonathan Lunceford, was killed at the scene, a stabbing victim remains in critical condition.
With no officers injured and no ongoing threat to the public, investigators are now focused on uncovering the motive and full timeline behind this tragic incident. Further updates are expected as authorities release more confirmed information.