A mother accused of murdering her four children before killing herself sent her ex-husband a text message claiming the children had a "little stomach bug" on the same day authorities say the killings occurred. The messages, released by the children's father, Brady Harmon, detail the disturbing deception that preceded the deaths.
Sarah Myers, 44, allegedly sent the text to Harmon on the afternoon of June 10. "The kids have gotten a little stomach bug throwing up is it okay to switch your online visit to tomorrow night at 4 pm your time please," the message read. Harmon, who lives in Utah, responded by saying he hoped the children would feel better soon, unaware that over 2,000 miles away in Mechanicville, New York, three of his children had allegedly been poisoned and one had been fatally stabbed.
By the time Harmon's scheduled video call with Myers went unanswered the following day, Myers, her mother Amy Steadman, 64, and the four children—Harper Harmon, 13; Hudson Harmon, 11; and 10-year-old twins Gavin and Gracelynn Harmon—were all dead. Police Chief Bill Rabbitt stated that Myers and Steadman had allegedly conspired in the murders before taking their own lives.
Investigators found evidence suggesting the mother and grandmother had planned the killings for at least June 5. Steadman reportedly visited multiple pharmacies to obtain significant quantities of over-the-counter sleep aids and prescription medications. Text messages exchanged between Myers and Steadman revealed discussions about obtaining medications, the location of the murders, how the children would be administered the substances, and how to avoid suspicion.
During this period, Myers also communicated with Harmon about plans for the children to stay with him in Utah for two months starting July 1. In texts from June 5, she wrote, "We are good for summer" and requested that he confirm FaceTime and birthday call times in writing. She also asked him to ensure child support payments were made.
Harmon's last video call with his children on June 7 lasted 17 minutes. He described them as appearing to be happy during the call. Days later, on June 8, Harmon, who had not seen his children in person since 2019, messaged Myers seeking information about their hobbies and interests to plan an enjoyable summer for them. He also requested the children's medical records for proper care.
Myers responded that she would discuss summer activities with the children and assured Harmon she was gathering the requested items for a safe and fun time.
Authorities discovered a note written by Steadman indicating she believed killing the children was the only way to protect them from alleged abuse in Utah. Investigators also found unsigned letters suspected to be from Myers, which similarly alleged abuse and expressed anger towards the Utah family court system, stating she was unable to secure legal representation. Police Chief Rabbitt noted that both women allegedly framed the murders as an act of protection, but he stated that "the deliberate murder of four children cannot be described as protection."
Harmon has vehemently denied any allegations of abuse. Rabbitt confirmed that investigators could not independently verify the claims made by Myers and Steadman. Harmon expressed his devastation in a Facebook post, stating, "I cannot understand how anyone could claim that this was done to ‘save’ my children from harm. The greatest possible harm was done to them. They were terrified, betrayed, and robbed of their lives by the very people who were supposed to protect them."