Tranyelle Harshman, 32, opened fire at her children, aged between 2 and 9, and left one of her daughters in intensive care following the horrific shooting inside their home in Byron, according to police
A mother of four tragically shot her three daughters, leaving one critically injured, just moments before phoning the police to inform them she was about to take her own life.
Police say Tranyelle Harshman, 32, from Wyoming, unleashed a horrific shooting spree on her children, aged between 2 and 9, resulting in one of her daughters being rushed to intensive care. The shocking incident took place inside their Byron, Wyoming home on Monday, February 10, 2024, according to police reports.
Authorities were alerted to the situation after receiving reports of gunfire within the residence, following a call from a woman believed to be Harshman, stating “her daughters had been shot.” She informed the dispatcher that the girls were in their cribs, with two located downstairs in the bedroom, and revealed her intention to “shoot herself’ and they would find her in the upstairs bedroom. Three children, two aged 2, and one aged 9, named as Brailey, died in the shooting as a 7-year-old girl, named as Olivia, was left fighting for her life with a ‘severe traumatic brain injury’.
The 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.”
Cops entered the home and found two of the young girls dead with gunshot wounds to their heads. Meanwhile, the 2-year-old and Olivia were also found with wounds. Tragically, the 2-year-old died from her injuries and Olivia was rushed to hospital alongside her mum. Harshman later died from her gunshot wounds.
According to friends who knew Harshman, she had been struggling with post-partum 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 said the shooting had hit the community hard. He added: “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.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to help her husband Cliff Harshman, which has so far raised a staggering £60,000. Harshman shares two children with husband Cliff, who is dad to the two younger girls, and the two older kids with ex-husband Quinn Blackmer.
A post to 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.”
Speaking to 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 jo@samaritans.org.
