A tragic incident occurred in Tennessee where a 4-year-old girl named Evangaline Gunter was shot and killed by a woman who claimed she was teaching the child “firearm safety.” The woman, Breanna Gayle Devall Runions, has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse. The child’s parents, Adam and Josie Gunter, stated that Evangaline was staying temporarily at a residence shared by Runions, her girlfriend Christina Daniels, and another child.
According to an arrest warrant from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Runions admitted to taking out a 9 mm handgun, removing the magazine, and calling Evangaline over to demonstrate firearm safety. Shockingly, Runions pressed the gun against the child’s chest and pulled the trigger. Daniels confirmed witnessing Runions taking out the gun but turned away before the shooting occurred. The 7-year-old girl present at the scene told authorities that she saw Runions shoot Evangaline and observed the bullet shattering a glass bottle.
Before the shooting took place, both Evangaline and the older girl were being punished by Runions for not following instructions. Runions struck them with a sandal and placed them in different corners of the bedroom. After the incident, the women brought Evangaline to a nearby Walmart to meet an ambulance, but she was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Evangaline’s mother expressed feelings of anger, guilt, and sadness, blaming herself for allowing her daughter to be in someone else’s care. The grieving parents described Evangaline as a joyful and loving child who brought happiness to everyone she met. They mentioned her aspiration to become a cheerleader and her infectious smile.
The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services and law enforcement are both conducting investigations into the case. Evangaline’s funeral is scheduled for September 5, and the family plans to celebrate her birthday afterward. Runions has waived her right to a bond hearing and is currently being held at Roane County Jail on a $1.5 million bond.
This tragic incident highlights the alarming concern of gun violence and its impact on children and teenagers in the United States. Gun violence is recognized as a public health crisis, with guns being the leading cause of death in this age group. The Gun Violence Archive reports that nearly 29,000 people have lost their lives to gun violence in 2023 alone.
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