Evangeline Gunter was four years old when she was fatally shot in the chest at a Rockwood, Tennessee home in August 2023. A woman caring for her, 25-year-old Breanna Runions, initially told investigators the death was an accidental discharge during a firearm safety demonstration after she removed the magazine from the handgun.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the 9th Judicial District Attorney General’s office later reported that another child in the room witnessed the shooting and gave an account that conflicted with Runions’ version of events. Runions was charged with first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse and held on a $1.5 million bond. Evangeline had been in the care of a friend of her mother, Josie Gunter, while the mother worked to secure housing and transportation for her children.

Evangeline was described as a happy little girl with a bright smile. If anyone knew Evangeline or has information about what happened that day, please come forward.