64-Year-Old Grandmother Suspected of Killing Daughter and Four Grandchildren in Mechanicville Tragedy

MECHANICVILLE, New York — Police say a 64-year-old grandmother is believed to be responsible for the deaths of her adult daughter, four grandchildren, and herself after six family members were found dead inside an apartment earlier this week in what investigators describe as one of the region’s most devastating family tragedies.

The victims were discovered Tuesday evening after a concerned neighbor requested a welfare check, telling authorities they had not seen Amy Steadman, 64, for several days. When officers were unable to make contact, apartment management provided access to the residence, where police found six deceased individuals.

Due to the condition of the bodies, investigators were initially unable to identify the victims. Following autopsies and further investigation, authorities identified the victims as Steadman; her 44-year-old daughter, Sarah Myers; and Myers’ four children: Harper Harmon, 13; Hudson Harmon, 11; and 10-year-old twins Gavin Harmon and Gracelynn Harmon.

Police said Myers and her children lived in a separate apartment within the same apartment complex. However, investigators believe all six deaths occurred inside Steadman’s apartment.

Mechanicville Police Chief William Rabbitt said evidence collected during the investigation—including a handwritten note and other circumstantial evidence—strongly suggests that Steadman was responsible for the deaths of herself, her daughter, and her four grandchildren. Authorities emphasized that toxicology reports, final autopsy findings, and the medical examiner’s conclusions are still pending before an official determination is made.

Autopsies performed at Albany Medical Center revealed that one of the children died from fatal sharp-force injuries. Detectives also recovered numerous prescription and over-the-counter medication bottles from the apartment, leading investigators to believe intentional poisoning may have played a role in several of the deaths.

Police stressed that the causes and manners of death for each victim will not be officially determined until toxicology testing is complete.

Investigators said there is currently no evidence that anyone outside the family was involved, and authorities do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public.

Officials have notified the children’s father, who lives in Utah. Police also confirmed the four children were homeschooled and were not enrolled in the local public school district.

“We understand the public’s desire to identify someone to hold responsible,” Chief Rabbitt said. “However, it is important that this investigation be completed thoroughly and professionally before final conclusions are reached.”

The tragedy has deeply impacted the small Saratoga County community of approximately 5,000 residents.

“Mechanicville is a close-knit city,” Rabbitt said. “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.”

The Mechanicville Police Department and New York State Police continue to investigate the case. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Mechanicville Police Department.