A mum shot dead three of her children and left the fourth fighting for her life, just moments before calling the police and telling them she was going to shoot herself.
Tranyelle Harshman, 32, opened fire at her young daughters, aged between two and nine, in the horrific scene at their home in Byron, Wyoming. Police were called following reports of gunshots inside the property after a woman believed to be Harshman informed officers, “her daughters had been shot”.
Tranyelle shared two of her children with husband Cliff Harshman, who has been left devastated. Speaking about his surviving daughter, named as Olivia, he begged for her to “pull through”. The local community has also deeply felt the impact of the tragedy.
The mum told the emergency call handler where to find her children before saying she intended to “shoot herself” and they would find her in an upstairs bedroom. Three young girls, two aged two and one aged nine, named as Brailey, died as seven-year-old Olivia was left fighting for her life with a “severe traumatic brain injury”.
Police said: “The dispatcher pleaded with the female caller over the phone for the female caller to remain on the line until responding suits arrived. The female caller stated multiple times that she could not do that and that it was too late. Multiple attempts to keep her on the line failed and the call was disconnected.”
Officers found two of the children dead, having suffered gunshot wounds to their heads. Olivia, one of the two-year-olds and Tranyelle were found alive, but seriously wounded. The two-year-old tragically died from her injuries, and Olivia was rushed to hospital with her mum, who also later died.
Friends of Tranyelle said she had been struggling with post-natal depression. Briana Baker said: “You never know what someone is struggling with inside of their mind. Tranyelle was not the monster this tragedy makes her seem to be. Her loved ones don’t want her to be remembered for her darkest moments. She was sweet, loving, and funny. Her children were her main focus in life.”
Byron Mayor Allen Clark spoke about how the tragedy had hit the town. He said: “When you’re in a small community like this, you know, everyone rubs shoulders with everyone. It’s just devastating. I just hope and pray that the family can endure and hopefully brighter days ahead.”
An online fundraiser has been set up to help Cliff Harshman, and has so far raised £60,000. Another has been set up for Tranyelle’s ex-husband, and father of her two older children, Quinn Blackmer, which has raised over £27,000, reports the Mirror.
A post on the fundraiser reads: “Tragedy has struck, leaving us shattered and heartbroken. Cliff Harshman, a devoted husband and father of four beautiful daughters, has suffered an unimaginable loss: the passing of 3 of his precious girls. 1 still fighting in Salt Lake, please pray for her.
“This devastating event has left Cliff and his loved ones reeling in grief, struggling to come to terms with the immense void left in their lives. The financial burden of funeral expenses, ongoing family support, and other related costs only adds to their pain.”
Speaking to local news site Cowboy State Daily, Mr Blackmer said: “I need the world praying for my baby [Olivia], I need her to pull through. I don’t have my (older) daughter any more and this is all I have left.” A separate GoFundMe has been set up for Mr Blackmer, which has raised more than £27,000.
The fundraiser says: “Olivia has suffered severe traumatic brain injury and is fighting hard for her life! She is in critical condition; the next few days will be crucial for her outcome. We know Brailey is watching over her baby sister from the other side, helping her fight for her life!”
If you feel like you could be affected by depression and need to speak to someone, Samaritans are available 24/7 by calling 116 123 or by emailing [email protected].