KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Evangeline Gunter was four years old when she was killed. According to law enforcement, Breanna Runions told investigators she was trying to demonstrate gun safety when she pressed the gun to the 4-year-old's chest and pulled the trigger, shooting her at contact range.
She was an acquaintance of the family tasked with watching the child.
Runions was charged with first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse. Evangeline's mother Josie Starbuck said the last year has been rough as she grieved the loss of her little girl.
"I just wish and I hope that she knows that her mother loves her and misses her every day," said Starbuck.
Evangeline would have turned six this past Thursday.
"We're just trying to learn to forgive but not forget," said Starbuck. "I'm all about forgiveness, but I won't forget what has happened."
Starbuck still reminisces about the time she spent with Evangeline.
"There are times where I feel like that she's still gonna turn around in the corner and then she's right there," said Starbuck. "There are still times when I have flashbacks where I see her."
Her family held a balloon release this past week to remember what would've been her sixth birthday.
"Everyone wrote a little message on the balloons telling Evie how much they miss her, telling them that they love her and everything," said Starbuck. "How much that we wish that there was more memories with her."
While she may not still be here, her mother said she'll always live on.
"She'll be forever mine. My little star, my little Evangeline," said Starbuck.
According to District Attorney Russell Johnson Breanna Runions is next scheduled to appear in court in July of next year.