Friend of mum who made phone call to police after killing three of her own children speaks out about her 'struggles'

The friend of a mother who attempted to kill her four children has opened up about how she was 'struggling'.

Tranyelle Harshman horrifically killed three of her daughters in their Wyoming home on Monday 10 February, with her fourth daughter, a seven-year-old, currently in intensive care as she recovers from a 'severe traumatic brain injury'.

It was confirmed that the incident cost the lives of her nine-year-old and both of her two-year-olds.

The mother and her fourth daughter were in critical condition (Facebook)

Harshman was said to have opened fire on her children according to KTVQ, before pointing the gun at herself.

The American mum-of-four then dialled 911, explaining that her daughters had been shot and telling the dispatcher 'she was going to do the same to herself'.

A friend of Harshman's, Briana Baker, spoke to WCPO 9 about her late friend's mental health.

She claimed that Harshman was struggling with postpartum depression, adding: “Everything can change in an instant,

"Never allow yourself to think, ‘it couldn’t be me.’ Stay humble and kind.

"You never know what someone is struggling with inside of their mind.

"Tranyelle was not the monster this tragedy makes her seem to be. Her loved ones don’t want her to be remembered for her darkest moments.

"She was sweet, loving and funny. Her children were her main focus in life."

Harshman's husband Cliff also came out in his partner's defence, explaining the situation to Cowboy State Daily.

Highlighting that she was also suffering from PTSD, he said: “My wife was not a monster.

“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.”

The mum died from her injuries (Facebook)

In a statement following the incident, Big Horn County Sheriff reported that she was honest about where the victims could be found.

Police said: "The female caller further reported to the dispatcher the locations of the victims.

"Two children would be located upstairs in their cribs and two children would be located downstairs in their shared bedroom.

"The caller further stated she could be found in her upstairs bedroom and that she was going to do the same to herself."

It was later reported that Harshman died in hospital on 11 February after succumbing to her injuries caused by a gunshot to the head, after the 911 operator 'pleaded' for her to stay on the call until authorities arrived.

If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.