Tennessee: 4-Year-Old Girl Dies After Being Shot By Woman Teaching Her 'Firearm Safety'

A tragic incident unfolded in Tennessee where a 4-year-old girl lost her life after being shot in the chest at close range on Sunday.

The shooter, a 25-year-old Tennessee woman named Breanna Gayle Devall Runions, claimed she was attempting to teach the child "firearm safety."

According to details from a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation arrest warrant reported by HuffPost, Runions stated that she removed a 9 mm handgun from its case, took out the magazine, and called Evangeline Gunter, the Tennesse girl.

Runions then reportedly placed the gun's barrel against the child's chest and pulled the trigger.

A witness, Christina Daniels, told the police that she observed Runions take out the gun, remove the magazine, and hold it to Evangaline's chest.

Although she turned away before the trigger was pulled, she confirmed the events leading up to the tragic incident.

Adding to the harrowing account, a 7-year-old girl who was also present during the incident revealed to authorities that she saw Runions shoot Gunter. The bullet reportedly hit a glass bottle, causing shards to scatter.

Despite the efforts of the two women, who attempted to save the victim by driving to a Walmart parking lot and contacting emergency medical services, the child was pronounced dead upon arrival at the county hospital.

Tennessee Woman Allegedly Punishing the Girl During the Incident

Runions had reportedly been punishing both the victim and another child in the room for not adhering to rules, according to the arrest warrant.

Earlier on the same day, Runions had allegedly struck the children with a sandal for waking her up and eating without permission, per the Independent.

Meanwhile, Ninth District Attorney General Russell Johnson confirmed that the Tennessee woman and the other adult present were not the girl's parents.

The Tennessee Department of Children's Services is now investigating why the two minors reside with these individuals.

The victim's biological mother, Josie Gunter, expressed her feelings of responsibility, stating that her daughter had been living with Runions following a court order and was supposed to stay there for two more months.

She also expressed her remorse for not being more attentive and wished she had been a better mother.

The victim's father, Adam Gunter, strongly emphasized the importance of firearm safety, urging people to keep guns out of the reach of children and to be vigilant about gun-smart practices.

Tennessee Woman's Charges and Other Legal Troubles

Runions, the accused in the fatal shooting of the 4-year-old Tennessee girl, faces serious charges and consequences.

Her bond has been set at $1.5 million in the case involving first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse, according to Law and Crime.

In Tennessee, first-degree murder charges can be applied when a person kills someone during the commission or attempt of certain crimes, including aggravated child abuse.

If convicted of first-degree murder, the potential penalties are severe and include death, life without parole, or life in prison.

The case is now proceeding through the legal system, and the seriousness of the charges highlights the gravity of the situation.

Runions' prior criminal record shows only minor violations related to seatbelt infractions in previous years.

Additionally, there is mention of a civil case involving Synchrony Bank that was filed against Runions in 2023.

The case had a scheduled hearing that was rescheduled, and no further activity has been reported in the case since then.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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