A tragic murder-suicide in Wyoming has left three young girls dead, while a fourth child is fighting for her life in the hospital.
Authorities say 32-year-old Tranyelle Harshman shot her four daughters, ages 2, 2, 7, and 9, before turning the gun on herself inside their home in Byron on Monday.
Harshman and her seven-year-old daughter, Olivia, were rushed to a nearby hospital. While Harshman later died from her injuries, Olivia remains in intensive care and is responding to touch, according to family members.
Disturbing 911 Call Reveals Tragic Details
The Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office reported that a distressed 911 call came from inside the home, with a woman stating, “My daughters have been shot.” The caller, believed to be Harshman, told the dispatcher she thought her children were dead and said she planned to take her own life.
“The dispatcher pleaded with her to stay on the line until officers arrived,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “She refused multiple times, saying it was too late.”
When officers arrived, they found two of the children, a two-year-old and nine-year-old, dead from gunshot wounds to the head. Olivia and another two-year-old were still alive but critically injured. Shortly after being found, the younger child died from her wounds.
Struggles With Mental Health May Have Played a Role
Friends say Harshman had been battling severe mental health issues, including postpartum depression.
“You never know what someone is struggling with inside their mind,” said friend Briana Baker. “Tranyelle was not the monster this tragedy makes her seem to be. She loved her children more than anything.”
Former classmate Sage Miears added, “If she was really battling postpartum depression, that’s a serious thing. People needed to be there for her.”
Community Mourns Unimaginable Loss
Byron Mayor Allen Clark called the incident devastating for the small community. “When you live in a town like this, everyone knows everyone. It’s heartbreaking,” he said.
Harshman shared two children with her husband, Cliff Harshman, the father of the younger girls, and two with her ex-husband, Quinn Blackmer, father of the older girls.
GoFundMe campaigns have been launched for both fathers to assist with funeral expenses and ongoing medical care for Olivia. The fundraiser for Cliff has raised more than $70,000, while Blackmer’s campaign has surpassed $34,000.
Father Begs for Prayers as Daughter Fights for Life
Blackmer spoke out, pleading for support as Olivia remains in critical condition. “I need the world praying for my baby,” he told Cowboy State Daily. “I don’t have my older daughter anymore, and this is all I have left.”
A message on Olivia’s fundraiser describes her battle. “She has suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and is fighting hard for her life. The next few days are crucial for her recovery. We know Brailey is watching over her baby sister from the other side, helping her fight.”
As the community grieves, many are left wondering if this tragedy could have been prevented with more mental health resources and support.
