MECHANICVILLE, N.Y. — June 25, 2026
Authorities in upstate New York say a 64-year-old grandmother is suspected of killing her daughter and four grandchildren in what investigators believe was an intentional poisoning, after six family members were discovered dead inside an apartment following a neighbor’s welfare check.
The bodies of Amy Steadman, 64, her daughter Sarah Myers, 44, and Myers’ four children — Harper Harmon, 13; Hudson Harmon, 11; and 10-year-old twins Gavin and Gracelynn Harmon — were found Tuesday evening after a neighbor reported not seeing Steadman for some time and called for a welfare check.
Officers were called after the neighbor said they had not seen or heard from the family for about two weeks. Myers and her children lived in another apartment within the same complex but were found inside Steadman’s residence.
Mechanicville Police Chief William Rabbitt said at a news conference Thursday that he believes the family had been dead for “an extended period of time” and that officers could not immediately make an identification because of the condition of the bodies. They were identified after autopsies were conducted at Albany Medical Center on Wednesday.
During the press conference, Rabbitt revealed the critical details of the investigation. One of the Harmon children suffered fatal sharp-force injuries, which were discovered during the autopsy conducted by Dr. Michael Sikirica. Police did not confirm which child suffered those injuries.
Investigators also recovered evidence in the apartment indicating intentional poisoning, including “numerous prescription and over-the-counter medications.” The causes and manners of death for all six individuals remain pending further toxicology testing and medical examiner review.
A handwritten note found inside the apartment “strongly suggests that Amy Steadman was involved in the deaths,” Rabbitt said. “However, final determinations regarding responsibility will be made only after all investigative findings, toxicology results, and medical examiner reviews have been completed.”
Police said there is no evidence anyone outside the family was involved and there is no threat to the public. No motive has been officially announced.
The tragedy carries a heartbreaking backdrop of domestic turmoil and custody proceedings. Sarah Myers and Brady Harmon were married in Salt Lake City in December 2015 but separated four years later, with a divorce finalized on April 14, 2026. A Utah district court granted joint legal custody, with Myers holding sole physical custody and Harmon entitled to two continuous months each summer — beginning this summer of 2026. Myers was served divorce papers on June 12, just days before neighbors say the family was last seen alive.
The children’s father, Brady Harmon, who resides in Utah, told a local news outlet: “I went from, ‘I’m seeing my kids,’ to ‘I’ll never see my kids again.'”
A 2022 GoFundMe campaign shared by Steadman and created by Myers sought funds for a domestic violence attorney. The fundraiser, titled “Help get a domestic violence lawyer save my kids,” has since been deleted. Police are investigating whether those events are connected to the deaths.
Those who knew the family described them in heartbroken terms. Neighbor Stephanie Sweeney, who lives about two doors down and was the one who called 911, said Amy Steadman was one of her closest friends. “Her grandchildren called me ‘Nana,’ so that’s hitting even harder,” Sweeney said through tears. “They were wonderful, wonderful people. The kids were absolutely beautiful, fantastic, loving, caring. They all were.”
Steadman’s ex-husband, John Bauman, reached by phone in Florida, described the grandmother as a good person and spoke highly of both Myers and the children. “Sarah, she would try to help anybody,” he said. “She was a very kind person… mighty fine kids, you know, and pretty much taking after their mom.”
Chief Rabbitt addressed the weight the community is now carrying. “Mechanicville is a close-knit city. 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 Harmon children were not enrolled in the Mechanicville City School District; they were homeschooled. A memorial has begun forming outside the John S. Moore Homes apartment complex on Harris Avenue where the family lived.
Authorities are asking anyone with additional information to contact the Mechanicville Police Department at 518-664-7383. The investigation is ongoing.
This is a developing story. Additional updates will follow as toxicology results and medical examiner findings become available.
