Authorities in New York are examining a tragic murder-suicide involving a grandmother, her daughter, and her four grandchildren. Investigators have not dismissed the possibility that the children’s mother may have played a role in their deaths.
The victims, identified as Amy Steadman, 64, Sarah Myers, 44, along with children Harper Harmon, 13; Hudson Harmon, 11; and 10-year-old twins Gavin and Gracelynn Harmon, were discovered dead in Steadman’s apartment in Mechanicville on June 23. Initially, evidence suggested Steadman’s involvement in the deaths.
However, investigators are now considering the possibility that Steadman might not have acted alone.
Mechanicville Police Chief William Rabbitt shared with NBC5, “I do want to make one important point clear. We have not ruled out that Sarah Myers was also complicit in the deaths of her children.” Rabbitt did not elaborate further on this statement.
“You may quote me on that. I understand that statement will raise additional questions, but I will not be able to answer them at this time.”
Investigators are awaiting toxicology results, with Rabbitt hopeful that more information will be available next week.
He added that there is “still a great deal to be said” about the case.
The six family members were found last month following a welfare check requested by a neighbor.
One child suffered a fatal “sharp injury,” while the others appeared to have been poisoned.
“There is recovered evidence from inside the apartment indicating intentional poisoning — to include numerous prescriptions and over-the-counter medications,” Rabbitt stated earlier.
A handwritten note implicating Steadman as the primary suspect was also found, though its contents have not been disclosed.
Myers was discovered dead in the midst of a contentious custody battle with her ex-husband Brady Harmon, who resides in Utah.
Harmon had not seen his children in person since November 2019, although they were expected to visit Utah between July and September.
He told The Post that his last conversation with the children lasted 15 minutes on June 7, describing them as “happy little kids.”
He had previously voiced concerns about their welfare and claimed Steadman was preventing him from seeing them, according to the Times-Union.
Upon traveling to New York to meet with investigators, Harmon reported finding cat urine and feces in Myers’ apartment where the children lived.
He also claimed to have received 10 letters from child protective services, including one suggesting an investigation into Myers for Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
Harmon further alleged that a therapist had warned of Myers’ negligence in caring for the children.
He was unaware of who had brought the children to the authorities’ attention.
A funeral for the four children has since taken place in Utah, the Times-Union reported.
“We could not bring their bodies home due to the horrific state they were in,” Harmon shared with the outlet. “Their ashes were spread where my father’s ashes were laid to rest, on top of a mountain here in Utah.”
Harmon expressed comfort in knowing the children are reunited with his late father.
“The only thing I can keep, as a peace of mind, is that my kids are safe in the arms of my father and other family members and other family members who loved them and not those who would hurt them.
“I know at least I will eventually see them again.”
