A Wyoming mother’s tragic murder-suicide left the community in shock. Tranyelle Harshman, 32, shot her four daughters before taking her own life on February 10. However, her closest friend insists that Harshman was no monster but a fiercely protective mother battling overwhelming personal struggles.
A fierce mother, not a monster
Nicole Jensen, who had been a close friend of Harshman for years, shared her thoughts on the tragedy. She described Tranyelle as a “fierce mama bear protector,” someone who would do anything for her children. Jensen believes that Harshman’s final act wasn’t one of malice, but one of desperation. “She was trying to protect them to the end,” Jensen told DailyMail.com.
Struggling with mental health
Tranyelle’s mental health battles were no secret. According to Jensen, Harshman had been fighting for her daughters for years. She suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), postpartum depression, anxiety, and the physical toll of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These struggles only worsened following a bitter divorce and custody battle over her two older daughters, Olivia and Brailey. Jensen revealed that her friend was overwhelmed by the stress of two young pregnancies, mental health issues, and the custody dispute.
The custody battle took its toll
Harshman’s divorce from her first husband, Quinn Blackmer, was finalized in 2020, and the custody battle was contentious. Documents from 2021 show a breakdown in communication, with Quinn accusing Tranyelle of alienating him from the children. Despite the tension, Jensen emphasized that neither parent lacked love for their children. Harshman’s second husband, Cliff Harshman, worked long hours, which added to Tranyelle’s burden, leaving her feeling isolated.
The breaking point
Nicole explained that the custody battle added a massive financial and emotional burden on Tranyelle, especially during her final pregnancy. Cliff Harshman confirmed that his wife had been struggling with her mental health, despite efforts to get her help. “We’d been getting her help, and along the way something didn’t work,” he said. “As angry as I may be with her, I still love her – and I still lost her.”
A mother’s love gone awry
Jensen believes that Tranyelle’s fierce love for her children led to a tragic snap. She was under immense pressure, and despite efforts to get help, the mounting stress took its toll. “She tried her best,” Jensen said. “It was too much for anyone to handle, but she didn’t want to abandon her children.”
The impact of PCOS
Tranyelle’s diagnosis of PCOS added another layer of complexity to her struggles. PCOS affects one in ten American women and has been linked to higher suicide risk. Research shows that women with PCOS are eight times more likely to take their own lives than those without the condition. Tranyelle’s PCOS diagnosis came before she became pregnant with her youngest daughters, which only added to her physical and emotional burden.
A heartbreaking end
Tranyelle called the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office to report the shooting around 1:30 p.m. on February 10. When officers arrived, they found two of her daughters, Brooke and Jordan, dead in their cribs. Brailey was found injured in another room, and she later died at the scene. Olivia, the youngest, was airlifted to a hospital but passed away five days later. Tranyelle, who grew up as the third of 13 children, died two days later from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Remembering the good
Nicole Jensen wants the world to remember the good in her friend. She shared that Tranyelle had always been there for others. Despite the struggles, Harshman was known for jumping in to help when others were in need. “She made me a stronger woman and a better mom,” Jensen said, fighting back tears. “This world is less bright without her.”
A community in shock
The tragedy has left the Wyoming community reeling. Despite all the pain and trauma that led to the horrific event, those who knew Tranyelle are quick to defend her character. Jensen concluded: “I don’t want this one horrible day to define who she was.”
Tranyelle’s final act is a somber reminder of how mental health struggles can silently devastate even the most loving families. The story is one of a mother who, despite her demons, tried to protect her children until the very end.
