Warning: This article may contain some distressing information
A distraught husband has spoken out after his wife shoots four of their young daughters, before turning the gun on herself.
Tragedy struck in Big Horn County, Wyoming, on Monday (February 10) afternoon when a mother and her three young daughters were found dead inside their home.
According to the New York Post, 32-year-old Tranyelle Harshman fatally shot her children in the head before dialing 911 to report the horrifying scene.
During the brief call, she informed the dispatcher of the children’s location before abruptly hanging up, the local sheriff’s office reported.
When officers arrived, they discovered the three girls with fatal gunshot wounds, along with their mother, who had also ended her own life.
KRTV reported that only one of the girls, a 7-year-old, survived the heartbreaking murder-suicide.
Her three sisters – a 9-year-old and two 2-year-olds born less than a year apart – were killed. Harshman was still alive when police arrived at the residence but later succumbed to her injuries.
While police continue investigating the circumstances, her husband, Cliff Harshman, told Cowboy State Daily that his wife had been struggling with severe mental health issues, including PTSD and postpartum depression.
“My wife is not a monster,” he told the outlet. “Most people don’t understand how that affects the brain. It’s a chemical imbalance … And it can be exacerbated by trying to fix it with medication.”
Cliff Harshman is the biological father of the two youngest victims and had been helping raise the older two. His 7-year-old stepdaughter remains in critical condition at a Salt Lake City hospital.
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help the “devoted husband and father of four beautiful daughters” with financial assistance.
“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,” the page read.
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“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.”
“As a community, we’re rallying around him to offer love, support, and financial assistance during this darkest of times. Your contribution will help alleviate some of the financial stresses, allowing him to focus on healing, reflection, and cherishing the memories of his dear daughters,” the description concluded.
Another GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help Quinn Blackmer, the father of the two older girls.
The fundraiser page states that the two girls were “currently residing with their mother in Wyoming, who attempted to take all 4 of her children’s lives”.
“Brailey (9) and Olivia (7) and their two younger half-sisters suffered deadly gunshot wounds. This news shattered them. Their oldest daughter, Brailey (9), passed away on scene. Olivia (7) was life-flighted to Billings, Montana, then later life-flighted to SLC for the closest and best neurology care team. Olivia has suffered severe traumatic brain injury and is fighting hard for her life!”
“All prayers and whatever higher faith or power you believe in are appreciated for the family at this time. If she does pull through this, she and the family have a very long road ahead of them, a lot of unknown right now,” they added.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this horrific tragedy.
