In a shocking incident in Saratoga County, a grandmother, her daughter, and four grandchildren were found dead in an apartment on Harris Avenue. Authorities have indicated that the evidence suggests a case of intentional poisoning. The deceased have been identified as Amy Steadman, 64, her daughter Sarah Myers, 44, and Myers’ four children, Harper Harmon, 13, Hudson Harmon, 11, and 10-year-old twins Gavin Harmon and Gracelynn Harmon.
The bodies were discovered on Tuesday evening after a neighbor, concerned about not seeing Steadman for several days, requested a welfare check. The six bodies were found in Steadman’s apartment at the John S. Moore Homes complex, although Myers and her children resided in a separate unit within the same complex. The bodies had been there for an extended period, making immediate identification challenging.
Mechanicville Police Chief William Rabbitt stated that the investigation is still in its early stages and that final findings will take time. The apartment yielded several pieces of evidence, including medications, a handwritten note, and other items that suggest Steadman’s involvement in the deaths. One of the children also had sharp-force injuries. However, the contents of the note have not been disclosed.
The authorities have found no evidence of anyone outside the apartment being involved in the deaths. The official causes and manners of death are still pending as toxicology tests and medical examiner reviews are ongoing. The case remains an active criminal investigation, despite the possibility that Steadman may have died by suicide.
The tragic incident occurred just days before the children were due to travel to Utah to spend time with their father, Brady Harmon, as part of a custody arrangement. Harmon, who had not seen his children in person since 2019, was preparing for their arrival when he received the devastating news. The custody issue is part of the investigation’s background, but a motive has not been announced.
The case has deeply affected the small city of Mechanicville, located north of Albany. Local officials have assured the public that there is no known threat. The investigation continues as police, state investigators, and medical officials work through the scene and records.
The next steps in the investigation include toxicology results, final medical examiner reports, and a continued review of the note, medications, and family court records. The authorities have not provided a firm date for these findings. The names of the victims were released on Wednesday, and the children’s father has expressed his wish for them to be buried in Utah.