Authorities said a 64-year-old woman found dead in an upstate New York apartment was involved in the deaths of her daughter and four grandchildren, as investigators work to determine how the deaths occurred. Officers discovered the bodies of Amy Steadman, her daughter, and her daughter’s four children on the evening of June 23 after a neighbor requested a welfare check at an apartment, according to the Mechanicville Police Department. The neighbor became concerned after they did not see Steadman for several days, police said. “When
officers were unable to make contact with Ms. Steadman, building management was contacted and access to the apartment was obtained. Upon entering the residence, officers located six deceased individuals,” Mechanicville Police Chief William Rabbitt said at a news conference on June 25. The victims could not be immediately identified because of the condition of their remains, Rabbitt said, adding that he believes the family had been dead for an “extended period of time.” Further investigation and autopsies identified them as Steadman, her daughter, Sarah Myers,
44, and Myers’ four children: Harper Harmon, 13; Hudson Harmon, 11; Gavin Harmon, 10; and Gracelynn Harmon, 10, according to the police chief. Evidence “strongly suggests” that Steadman was responsible for the deaths of her daughter, four grandchildren, and herself, Rabbitt said. He noted that investigators are awaiting final autopsy findings, toxicology reports, and the medical examiner’s conclusions before making a final determination. “We understand the public’s desire to identify someone to hold responsible. However, it is important that this investigation be completed thoroughly and
professionally before final conclusions are reached,” the police chief said. “There remains no threat to the public.” Mechanicville, a small city with a population of more than 5,000 people, is located about 20 miles north of Albany, New York. Cold case investigation: Ex-youth pastor dead after being charged in 2006 murder of wife Police: Handwritten note suggests grandmother was involved in deaths Further investigation determined that Myers and her four children lived in a separate apartment within the same apartment complex, according to police. Rabbitt
said investigators believe the deaths occurred entirely inside Steadman’s apartment and that, based on the evidence collected so far, there is no indication anyone from outside the family was involved. Evidence collected during the investigation, including a handwritten note and “other circumstantial evidence,” indicates Steadman was involved in the deaths of herself, her daughter, and her four grandchildren, according to the police chief. Autopsies performed on June 24 at Albany Medical Center found that one of the children died from “fatal sharp-force injuries,” Rabbitt said.
Investigators also recovered multiple prescription and over-the-counter medication bottles, which police said indicate possible intentional poisoning. The causes and manners of death for all six victims will not be officially determined until toxicology testing and the investigation are complete, Rabbitt said. ‘I laid hands on the sick’: Pastor says Bible scripture justified attack on man ‘Many residents knew the family involved’ The police chief told reporters that investigators have contacted the children’s father, who lives in Utah. He added that the children were not enrolled
in public school and were homeschooled. “Mechanicville is a close-knit city. Many residents knew the family involved, have children and grandchildren of their own, or simply cannot comprehend the loss of six lives under such heartbreaking circumstances,” Rabbitt said. “Our thoughts remain with the family members, friends, neighbors, first responders and everyone affected by this tragedy.” Rabbitt said the investigation remains active and that the information released on June 25 is based on the evidence currently available. Additional findings could change investigators’ conclusions. The Mechanicville
Police Department is working with the New York State Police on the investigation, Rabbitt said. Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact the Mechanicville Police Department.
Mechanicville, New York, grandmother death, Amy Steadman, Sarah Myers, four grandchildren, investigation, autopsy, toxicology, handwritten note