On January 26, 2017, the community of Fairdealing, Missouri, in rural Ripley County, was shaken by the discovery of three bodies in a private residence. Law enforcement officials were called to the home around 2:00 p.m. after a school worker requested a welfare check because one of the children had not arrived for classes that day. Upon entering the property, authorities found the lifeless bodies of 32-year-old Laura Ellena Coleman and her two young children, Gunner Lee Coleman and Maycie Dove
Harris.
Gunner Lee Coleman, a 2-year-old male, was found deceased alongside his 4-year-old sister, Maycie. Investigators from the Ripley County Sheriff's Office, along with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, immediately launched an inquiry into the deaths. The authorities determined that the children had suffered fatal gunshot wounds. The ensuing investigation concluded that the tragedy was a murder-suicide. Evidence at the scene indicated that Laura Coleman had shot both of her children before turning the weapon on herself, resulting in a self-inflicted gunshot wound that ended her life.
Due to the nature of the incident, no outside suspects were sought, and no arrests were made in connection with the deaths. Sheriff Mike Barton confirmed to the public that the shooting was an isolated domestic incident and that there was no further danger to the community. The investigation revealed that neither of the children's fathers resided at the home where the shootings occurred.
Obituaries released following the tragedy described Gunner as an affectionate and adorable toddler who loved playing with toy trucks and watching Mickey Mouse, whom he called 'Toodles.' He was born on April 14, 2014, in Rolla, Missouri. His sister Maycie was remembered for her love of the movie *Frozen* and her bright blue eyes. The family was survived by Gunner's brother, as well as grandparents and extended relatives who were left to mourn the sudden loss of the mother and her two children.
