Shanynthia Gardner, the mom accused of stabbing her four children to death, has been forgiven by the mother of her former partner. According to the police, Gardner killed four of her five children and now, Sonya Clayton, the grandmother of the sole survivor, is saying that it was the devil’s fault.
Apparently, the devil is the reason why Shanynthia Gardner thought stabbing four little angels to death was a good idea. On Friday, a Memphis, Tennessee community, family and friends of the Gardners woke up to hear that the mother of five, who must have been battling some mental problem, had brutally murdered four of her children.
According to neighbors, 29-year-old Shanynthia Gardner was seen covered in blood, standing outside of her apartment, which prompted them to call 911. The woman did not say a word; she simply went back inside. A few minutes later, 7-year-old Dallen Clayton came out of the home screaming for help.
When Tennessee police arrived at the apartment, they discovered a gruesome scene; the mother had used a kitchen knife to slit the throats of 4-year-old Tallen Gardner, Sya Gardner, 3, Sahvi Gardner, 2, and 6-month-old Yahzi Gardner.
Police do not know why the mother committed the horrible crimes nor why she spared Dallen’s life, but some reports claimed that she tried to stab the little boy, but he was too fast and ran out to seek help. Dallen is from a previous relationship, while the four children killed were with her current husband, Martin Gardner.
The suspected murderer has been arrested and charged with four counts of first-degree murder in association with aggravated child abuse, four counts of first-degree murder in association with aggravated child neglect, four counts each of aggravated child abuse, and aggravated child neglect or endangerment.
She is set to appear in court on Tuesday due to Monday’s holiday. Sonya Clayton, Dallen’s grandmother, spoke to local media saying that she forgives Shanynthia Gardner and thinks the devil made her do it. She said:
“I’m still shocked, in disbelief. That was a beautiful sweet young lady. What happened? I don’t know. I know Shanynthia — this is the work of the devil.”
Clayton added that while her grandson is doing well, she has not been allowed to see him. She explained:
“I want Dallen, I need Dallen. I need to know what’s going on with Dallen. They are giving us the run around — I don’t understand.”
The sheriff’s office has said the boy is under protective supervision.
