Six people, including four children, were discovered deceased Tuesday evening in a Mechanicville, New York, residence following a welfare check initiated by concerned neighbors. Police responded to the Harris Avenue apartment complex in Saratoga County around 6:20 p.m. after not having seen a resident for several days.
Details regarding the identities and ages of the victims have not yet been released, and the cause and manner of death remain under active investigation. Authorities confirmed that none of the deceased children were infants. Police stated there is no perceived threat to the public as a result of the incident.
"This is a tragic incident that has deeply affected our community," said Chief of Police Bill Rabbitt. "Our thoughts are with the family members, friends, and all those impacted by this loss."
Chief Rabbitt indicated that it is too early to classify the deaths. "Because the autopsies are still underway and investigators are continuing to gather and verify information, I am not prepared to characterize this incident as a homicide, murder-suicide, or any other manner of death at this time," he stated. The investigation is being conducted in conjunction with state police.
A neighbor told NewsChannel 13 that the family had not been seen for several days. The Mechanicville City School District has reportedly made counselors available to students affected by the tragedy. Police are expected to release further information as the investigation progresses.