Mother shot in Northland crime spree out of intensive care, extent of injuries unknown

The mother of the child abducted in a Northland crime spree Friday that left her injured and her son dead is progressing in her recovery in the hospital, according to a family spokesperson.

Mercedes Ontiveros was one of at least three victims shot in a double homicide and child abduction allegedly committed by George C. Manning III, the father of her youngest child.

Ontiveros, who Manning allegedly shot before he took their child, suffered a gunshot wound, but is out of the intensive care unit, according to family spokesperson Katie Marron. Manning also allegedly shot and killed Ontiveros’s oldest child, her 12-year-old son Giuliani Calderon.

The full extent of Ontiveros’s injuries is currently unknown, Marron said.

Ontiveros’s youngest daughter, who Manning left with his family member before his death, was initially abducted by her father after the shooting, but then was reunited with her mother’s family hours later on Friday morning.

Family members and loved ones have been at the hospital supporting Ontiveros’s recovery, while also caring for her two young daughters.

The family released a statement thanking the community for prayers and support, while offering their sympathy to the family of the other victim allegedly shot by Manning, identified as Katherine Bjorklund, 33.

“We are still all in shock and taking it day by day and Mercedes is recovering from her injuries,” the statement said. “The family is doing the best as expected with the love and support from everyone.”

Manning, 43, allegedly shot and killed Bjorklund at Riverside Car Wash near the intersection of Northwest Vivion Road and Northwest High Drive in Riverside around 11:15 p.m. on Thursday, Platte County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Capt. Jeffrey Shanks said.

Investigators don’t believe Manning had a connection to the first victim, and it appeared he wanted her vehicle, Shanks said. Manning then drove to a home in Platte County, allegedly shot and killed Ontiveros’s son, shot Ontiveros, and kidnapped their daughter.

Around 5 a.m. Friday, Manning reportedly gave his daughter to one of his family members. Missouri Highway Patrol canceled the Amber Alert after the girl was found safe and unharmed.

Around 7:30 a.m., officers with the Kansas City Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security spotted Manning allegedly walking with a gun along Northwest Vivion Road, Missouri State Highway Patrol spokesperson Cpl. Justin Howard said.

Manning was shot and killed by those officers, Howard said.

Manning’s family members told The Star they didn’t know why he went on his alleged overnight crime spree.

Marron relayed the same sentiments on behalf of the Ontiveros family.

“Unfortunately, I don’t think we’re ever gonna get the answer, because he would be the only one to tell us,” Marron said.

This story was originally published March 4, 2025 at 5:32 PM.