Police in Mechanicville, New York, are actively investigating the deaths of six family members, including four children, whose bodies were discovered inside an apartment on Tuesday. Authorities believe the incident may have been a murder-suicide, with evidence pointing to the children’s grandmother as the primary suspect.
"the victims had likely been dead for an extended period before they were found, and decomposition made immediate identification at the scene difficult." — William Rabbitt, Mechanicville Police Chief
The victims were identified as 64-year-old Amy Steadman, her 44-year-old daughter Sarah Myers, and Myers’ four children: Harper Harmon (13), Hudson Harmon (11), and 10-year-old twins Gavin Harmon and Gracelynn Harmon. Police Chief William Rabbitt stated that investigators were called to the John Moore Homes complex, approximately 18 miles north of Albany in Saratoga County, after neighbors reported not seeing the family for several days.
Upon discovery, the bodies showed signs of decomposition, making immediate identification difficult and suggesting the victims had been deceased for an extended period. Chief Rabbitt confirmed that there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public.
The investigation has focused on evidence collected within Steadman’s apartment, where the bodies were found. Authorities reported recovering numerous prescription and over-the-counter medications, with intentional poisoning suspected as a factor in several of the deaths. Additionally, one of the four children was found to have suffered fatal sharp-force injuries.
Investigators also recovered a handwritten note from the scene. While police have declined to disclose its contents or identify its author, officials stated that this document, combined with other evidence, strongly suggests Amy Steadman’s involvement in the deaths. However, Chief Rabbitt emphasized that no final conclusions regarding responsibility would be made until autopsy findings, toxicology testing, and the full criminal investigation are completed. Currently, no evidence points to the involvement of anyone outside the family.
Sarah Myers and her children reportedly resided in the same apartment complex as Amy Steadman. A possible motive for the suspected murder-suicide has not been released by authorities, who continue to examine all collected evidence.
Brady Harmon, the children’s father, who lives in Utah, told local media he had not seen his children in person since 2019 due to a long-running custody dispute with Sarah Myers. Harmon stated that the children were expected to travel to Utah in the coming days for an extended visit after recent legal proceedings. He claimed that Myers had prevented him from seeing them and was under investigation by New York Child Protective Services. Harmon also publicly denied allegations circulating on social media that he had abused his children, stating those claims were false.
The Mechanicville Police Department continues its active investigation, with detectives reviewing evidence and awaiting additional forensic results. Authorities reiterated that formal determinations of responsibility for the deaths are pending the completion of autopsies, toxicology reports, and the full body of investigative evidence. Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Mechanicville Police Department.
