A Wyoming mother’s shocking 911 call preceded a horrific tragedy that left three young girls dead and another fighting for her life.
At a Glance
- Tranyelle Harshman, 32, allegedly shot her four daughters before taking her own life in Big Horn County, Wyoming
- Three daughters, aged 2, 2, and 9, have died; a 7-year-old remains in critical condition
- Harshman called 911 to report the shooting and her intention to harm herself
- The incident has deeply shaken the local community and raised questions about mental health support
A Mother’s Desperate Act
On February 10, the tranquil community of Big Horn County, Wyoming, was shattered by an unthinkable act of violence. Tranyelle Harshman, a 32-year-old mother, allegedly shot her four young daughters before turning the gun on herself. The tragedy unfolded after Harshman made a harrowing 911 call to the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office, alerting authorities to the shooting and expressing her intention to take her own life.
According to reports, Harshman informed the dispatchers that two of her daughters were in cribs while the other two were in a shared bedroom. The sheriff’s office “pleaded” with Harshman to “remain on the line until responding units arrived,” but she responded “multiple times that she could not do that and that it was too late,” before disconnecting the call.
Grim Discovery
When law enforcement arrived at the scene, they were confronted with a horrific situation. Two daughters, ages 2 and 9, were found deceased with gunshot wounds to the head. Two other daughters, ages 2 and 7, were discovered alive but critically injured with similar wounds. Tragically, the younger of the injured girls later succumbed to her injuries.
“I wish I had known something was going on. I could have done something about it,” a neighbor told reporters.
Harshman herself was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head and was rushed to the hospital, where she later died. The surviving 7-year-old daughter was initially taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to Salt Lake City for advanced medical care, where she remains in critical condition.
Community in Shock
The incident has left the Big Horn County community reeling. Big Horn County Sheriff Ken Blackburn described the scene as a “nightmare,” highlighting the profound impact this tragedy has had on both first responders and the tight-knit community. The Cowboy State Daily was among the first to report on the incident, which was later confirmed by Sheriff Blackburn.
As the community grapples with this heartbreaking event, questions are being raised about the underlying issues that may have contributed to this tragedy. Mental health care adequacy and family support systems are at the forefront of discussions as people seek to understand how such a devastating act could occur.
In the wake of this tragedy, it’s crucial to remember that help is available for those struggling with mental health issues or experiencing a crisis. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress.
