A heart-wrenching tragedy struck Big Horn County, Wyoming, as a mother allegedly shot her four daughters before taking her own life.
Key Takeaways
- A 32-year-old mother, Tranyelle Harshman, allegedly shot her four daughters and herself in Big Horn County.
- The incident was reported on February 10 after a 911 call made by Harshman.
- Two daughters were found deceased, and two were critically injured; one later passed away.
- The surviving 7-year-old remains hospitalized in Salt Lake City.
- Neighbor expressed regret for not knowing about the situation earlier.
Tragic Event in Big Horn County
In a small Wyoming community, devastation followed a 911 call from Tranyelle Harshman, who reportedly confessed to fatally shooting two of her daughters and critically injuring two others before shooting herself. First responders discovered a dire scene on their arrival. The victims included a 2-year-old and a 9-year-old found deceased, and two girls—ages 2 and 7—suffering from severe injuries.
The seriousness of the injuries led to urgent medical procedures but one of the 2-year-olds succumbed to her wounds. Harshman, identified as the assailant, succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound after being transported for advanced medical treatment. The horrific nature of these events has resulted in profound sorrow and urged discussions on preventive mental health strategies.
Community and Law Enforcement Reactions
The Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office received Harshman’s 911 call, during which she “pleaded” that she was “going to do the same thing to herself.”
Despite efforts by the dispatchers to keep her on the call, Harshman hung up, leading to rapid dispatching of emergency services. Sheriff Ken Blackburn, confirming these events, described the scene as a “nightmare,” highlighting the lasting impact on responders and the community.
The local community is grappling with the aftermath as a neighbor reflected on the tragedy, saying, “I wish I had known something was going on. I could have done something about it.” This response underscores a community’s pain and the obligation to seek preventive measures for such traumatic occurrences in the future.
Ongoing Investigation and Support
The surviving daughter, a 7-year-old, remains in critical condition in Salt Lake City. Law enforcement examines the incident to uncover any underlying issues that led to this fate. In this time of tragedy, accessible mental health resources and community awareness play critical roles in containment and prevention measures for the future.
The incident points to the need for mental health intervention. Available resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can offer support to those in distress. Providing these resources and spreading awareness might prevent future incidents, offering solace to those who need it most.
Sources
1. Wyoming mother shoots 4 daughters before shooting herself, police say
2. Wyoming mother allegedly shot her 4 daughters, called 911, and then shot herself
