A mum who called emergency services after killing three of her four children terrifyingly told the call handler “it was too late” before turning the gun on herself.
Tranyelle Harshman, 32, shot her four daughters, aged between two and nine at their home in Byron, Wyoming on Monday, February 10, with one left fighting for her life.
She told emergency services that police would find her children’s bodies, with the call handler frantically trying to keep her on the line, but she hung up. She later died in hospital from her gunshot wounds.
Police reportedly 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.”
The Mirror reports that three children – Brooke and Jordan, aged two, and Brailey, nine – died at the scene, while Olivia, seven, is in a hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, with a “severe traumatic brain injury”.
Tranyelle’s husband Cliff Harshman, who was the father of the two youngest girls, said he was trying to come to terms with the tragedy as he explained his wife was struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, for which she was receiving medical help.
He said: “I know this was something beyond what I can comprehend. I’m a mess”, adding he was furious with his wife of five years.
Speaking to KTVQ, he said: “I’m so angry. I don’t even know how to explain this to you. I’m so angry with her for the decision that was made. People don’t understand how mental illness isn’t just a willpower thing. It’s chemical imbalances in your brain. It’s damaged pathways in your brain. She was an incredible mom and she loved those kids.”
Also paying tribute, her friend 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.”
An online fundraiser has been set up to help Cliff, which has raised £60,000 so far. A post on the fundraiser says: “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.”
A separate fundraiser was set up for Tranyelle’s ex-husband Quinn Blackmer, who was the father of Olivia and Brailey, and has raised over £27,000 so far. He asked people to “pray for my baby” as Olivia fights for her 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.”
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].