CASPER, Wyo. — Three children died from gunshot wounds in the Town of Byron on Monday, while the mother, who is believed to have pulled the trigger before calling 911 and turning the gun on herself, has also died. Gov. Mark Gordon told reporters Wednesday the tragic murder–suicide is a call for the state to “double down” on addressing mental health, according to reporting by WyoFile.
Two of the deceased children were age 2 and another was 9, according to a release Tuesday by Big Horn County Sheriff Ken Blackburn. A 7-year-old girl who was also shot remains in critical condition after being airlifted to an advanced medical care facility in Salt Lake City, according to a GoFundMe organized for the children’s father.
The woman called 911 around 1:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11 to report the shooting of her children at the residence in Byron, a town of about 600 just southwest of Lovell. The woman reportedly told dispatch that she “would do the same to herself” and said where authorities would find the victims. Dispatchers reportedly pleaded with the woman, who said it was too late, according to the release.
The sheriff’s office responded alongside the Wyoming Highway Patrol and the Lovell Police Department and found the victims and the woman with single gunshot wounds to the head. A 2-year-old and 9-year-old were deceased, and another 2-year-old succumbed to their injuries on the scene, the release said.
First responders immediately provided first aid, and the woman and 7-year-old were taken by ambulance to North Big Horn Hospital. The child was then airlifted for advanced care.
There have been no public updates from the sheriff’s office as of Wednesday, and Oil City News was unable to contact Blackburn for further information.
The investigation remains open, Blackburn said Tuesday.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to all those who are affected and grieving by this extremely horrible and tragic incident,” Blackburn wrote. He also commended the agencies that responded to the incident.
“It’s easy for us to take for granted the job our first responders perform daily and the tragedies they deal with on a daily basis” Blackburn wrote. What they witnessed is “something no one should have to endure.”
“Wherever you are in this great State or Country, please take a moment to thank and support all first responders,” Blackburn said.
