On February 10, 2025, a horrifying incident unfolded in Byron, Wyoming. A mother shot her four daughters before fatally shooting herself, resulting in the death of three children and one critically injured.

The mother, 32-year-old Tranyelle Harshman, dialed 911 to report that she had shot her children in their home. During the conversation, Harshman gave the dispatchers the whereabouts of her children, explaining that some were in their cribs and others were in the downstairs bedroom. She then stated that she would be in the upstairs bedroom, intending to shoot herself.

The Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office reported that the dispatcher desperately tried to keep the woman on the line until help arrived. However, the woman stated several times that it was too late and disconnected the call despite multiple attempts to keep her on the line.

Upon reaching the house, the responding officers found two girls, identified as nine-year-old Brailey and a two-year-old, already dead from gunshot wounds to the head. Two other girls, seven-year-old Olivia and another two-year-old, were found critically injured with head wounds. The second two-year-old died later from her injuries. Harshman’s husband, Cliff Harshman, was the father of the two toddlers, Brooke and Jordan.

Harshman was found in her bedroom with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she later died. The surviving child, Olivia, was transported by air to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, suffering from severe traumatic brain injury. Sadly, reports later confirmed that Olivia died on February 15, 2025.

Quinn Blackmer, father of Brailey and Olivia, had spoken to the media asking for worldwide prayers for his daughter Olivia. Blackmer, who had already lost his older daughter, Brailey, was holding onto hope for Olivia, his last remaining child.

Those close to Harshman recalled her struggle with mental health issues. Briana Baker, a friend, defended Harshman as a loving and humorous person dedicated to her children. She highlighted Harshman’s internal battles with mental health that were unseen to others and asked people not to judge her solely on her last act. She was reportedly undergoing treatment for various conditions, including postpartum depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The community of Byron rallied around the grieving fathers. Two GoFundMe campaigns were set up to help Cliff Harshman and Quinn Blackmer cover funeral and medical costs. Together, they raised over $200,000.

Allen Clark, Mayor of Byron, spoke of the incident’s deep impact on their tight-knit community. He described the shock that rippled through the small town, where everyone knew each other and children often played together. Despite the profound sorrow, Clark expressed hope that the bereaved families would find the strength to cope with their loss and ultimately find peace.