The Shelby County mother accused of stabbing her four children to death Friday made her first court appearance Tuesday morning. Shanynthia Gardner, 29, faces four counts of first degree murder and other offenses in connection with the deaths of those children, who were all less than four years old. We’ve also learned Gardner is now at a mental health facility undergoing an evaluation.
The case is extremely emotional in court for Gardner’s family and friends, even the prosecution. The accused mother is getting mental treatment now, after not answering the judge during Tuesday’s court appearance.
“Are you Mrs. Gardner?” asked the judge. “Are you going to speak? I’ll ask your attorney.”
Gardner’s silence was magnified as she faced the judge and prosecutors for the first time. A sheriff’s spokesperson said Gardner is now getting a full evaluation at a mid-south mental health facility.
“It’s devastating,” says Shelby County Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Nichols. “Four children lost their lives and of course it’s important not just to our office, but to everyone in the community.”
Authorities said Gardner committed the crimes early Friday afternoon at the Greens at Irene complex in southeast Shelby County.
“This is an egregious act of evil that has shocked us to our core,” said Sheriff Bill Oldham.
Saturday, the community gathered in a somber ceremony to remember the lives lost, and try to make sense of why they died unexpectedly.
“I know that’s not her. I know her,” said Sonya Clayton, a family member. Friend Jerome Smith echoed the sentiment. “It shocked me. It just was not her because I know for a fact she loves her children.”
As the accused mother is treated and monitored before her next court appearance, Gardner’s loved ones and her attorney are not saying much publicly.
“I’m not going to comment on the facts of the case,” says Gardner’s attorney Craig Morton. “As I stated earlier, it’s too early to be making comments on a case of this nature.”
Gardner is scheduled in court again Monday.
