A mother, her four young children, and the children's grandmother were discovered deceased Tuesday in a Mechanicville, New York, home. Police were alerted to the scene after concerned loved ones reported not hearing from the family for an extended period, prompting a welfare check at the apartment complex.
The victims have been identified as Sarah Myers, 44; her children Harper Harmon, 13, Hudson Harmon, 11, and 10-year-old twins Gavin and Gracelynn Harmon; and Myers' mother, Amy Steadman, 64. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the cause or manner of death, and a medical examiner is working to determine how the tragedy unfolded.
Mechanicville Police Chief William Rabbitt stated Wednesday that the investigation is being treated as a criminal probe, though he confirmed that no evidence suggests the involvement of additional individuals. Rabbitt assured residents that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
"This is a tragic incident that has deeply affected our community," Rabbitt said. "Our thoughts are with the family members, friends and all those impacted by this loss."
Neighbors described Steadman and Myers as being very close, with Steadman often assisting her daughter. One resident noted that the grandmother was "with (Myers) every single day to help her." Another neighbor told the Times Union that the two were "inseparable" and "like best friends."
According to social media, Steadman had previously shared a GoFundMe in 2022 to help her daughter obtain a domestic violence lawyer. The fundraiser, which has since been removed, featured a photo of Myers and her children.
The deaths occurred near the end of the school year for Mechanicville High School. The school district's superintendent confirmed that counseling services are being made available to students grappling with the tragedy.