Who is Briana Runions? Woman charged with murder after shooting dead 4-yr-old girl during 'firearms safety test'
ROCKWOOD, TENNESSEE: Breanna Runions, a woman from Tennessee, has been charged with murder following a tragic incident wherein she shot dead a four-year-old girl.
The distressing event involved her placing a firearm against the child's chest and pulling the trigger, all under the guise of providing 'firearm safety training'.
Is Breanna Runions in custody?
Breanna Gayle Devall Runions, 25, was taken into custody on August 27. She currently faces charges in connection to the death of Evangaline Gunter, the four-year-old victim of the shooting. The incident occurred in Rockwood, Tennessee.
Following the heartbreaking incident, Runions, along with her partner, transported the child in a vehicle to seek immediate medical attention. While en route, they dialed 911 to request assistance.
They encountered emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in a Walmart parking lot, as reported by WBIR. The child was then rushed to the hospital but was tragically declared deceased upon arrival.
Where is Breanna Runions now?
Presently, Runions remains jailed on a bond of $1.5 million. Runions initially informed law enforcement that she had taken precautions to ensure the gun was devoid of ammunition.
She explained that she had aimed the gun at her own chest to provide a lesson on firearm safety. However, her account was disputed by her girlfriend, according to WBIR.
What happened to Evangaline Gunter?
Runions’s girlfriend presented a contradictory version of events. She disclosed that both Evangaline and another child, a seven-year-old, were subjected to punishment by Runions.
This disciplinary action was in response to the children's failure to rouse the two adults from sleep. Additionally, the children had committed an offense by consuming food that belonged to Runions' girlfriend.
Authorities stated that both the girlfriend and the seven-year-old child were present in the room at the time of the shooting; however, they had their backs turned away and thus did not observe the fatal act.
The discharged bullet struck a glass bottle, causing fragments to injure the other child.
What did Breanna Runions do?
Runions' girlfriend shared that Runions used a sandal to strike both children and instructed them to stand in separate corners of the adults' bedroom.
Subsequently, Runions retrieved a firearm, ensured it was unloaded, and summoned Evangaline over. In a shocking turn of events, she proceeded to shoot the child in the chest.
District Attorney Russell Johnson remarked that the Department of Children's Services (DCS) is currently conducting an investigation.
Additionally, he noted that there had been prior reports submitted to the DCS concerning the children residing within the residence.
Evangaline's parents, Josie and Adam Gunter, informed WBIR that their daughter had been placed under the jurisdiction of the courts and was intended to stay there for just an additional two months.
Josie Gunter said, "I feel like it's my fault that I let her be there. I should have been more attentive. I wish I could have been a better mother for her, to pay attention."