In the aftermath of a devastating murder-suicide that took the lives of four children and their mother, the Byron Town Council is stepping forward to support the grieving community, Gillette News Record reports.
Mayor Allan Clark has announced a public meeting with mental health professionals next week at Byron Town Hall to help residents begin the healing process.
Clark has also invited first responders, local and state representatives, and Governor Mark Gordon, who has been an advocate for mental health counseling programs in Wyoming.
“It’s a very, very tender time,” Clark said. “I know there’s a lot of people hurting—some that might need counseling or maybe just to visit about it. So I’m inviting professionals to come visit with us, to help us cope with this and begin the healing, to move forward.”
The tragedy has deeply affected first responders who were among the first on the scene. Big Horn County Sheriff Ken Blackburn recalled the disbelief and emotional toll of the incident, which he described as one of the most difficult in his 40-year career.
“Nobody can prepare you for that first realization that it was not a hoax,” Blackburn said. “This is the kind of thing that changes a person inside. It’s the kind of thing that forces a person to draw on his wits, on his faith, and on community support.”
Despite existing mental health support programs for law enforcement, the small size of local emergency teams meant many responders had to return to work immediately, without time to process the tragedy.
Clark hopes that the upcoming Tuesday meeting will help gauge the community’s needs and allow for potential funding for additional counseling services.
However, the tragedy has also sparked divisive reactions, particularly toward the mother, Tranyelle Harshman, who took her children’s lives. While some have expressed anger, others, including Clark, seek understanding.
“I hate to see all the angry people,” Clark said. “I understand—there were four young girls and their mother shot them. I want to be kind and forgiving, but I just have a hard time seeing the dark side of it all. I don’t understand. So I’m not going to say she was a bad mom or a bad wife. I just think something very unfortunate happened.”
Clark acknowledges that healing will take time but remains committed to bringing the community together.
“Something bad happened here, but I think some good can come of it. We need to find that good.”
The community outreach meeting will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 6 p.m. at Byron Town Hall.
For those struggling with their mental health, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 confidential support and resources tailored to individual needs.
