The small town of Mechanicville, New York, is grappling with a heartbreaking tragedy that has left the community in disbelief. On June 24, 2026, the bodies of Sarah Myers, 44, and her four children—Harper, 13, Hudson, 11, and twins Gavin and Gracelynn, 10—were discovered in their apartment. Also found deceased was Myers’ mother, Amy Steadman, 64, who is suspected of orchestrating the horrifying murder-suicide.
The Mechanicville Police Department, led by Chief William Rabbitt, has been diligently investigating the case. Initial findings point to a deliberate act of poisoning with evidence including a handwritten note and various prescription and over-the-counter medications found at the scene. The investigation is ongoing, with toxicology reports pending to confirm the cause of death.
The Unfolding Investigation
Chief Rabbitt revealed that the evidence collected so far strongly suggests Steadman’s involvement in the deaths. Among the key pieces of evidence is a note left behind, which, along with the medications, indicates a possible poisoning. The chief also mentioned that one of the children suffered fatal sharp-force injuries adding another layer of complexity to the case.
The police have assured the public that there is no further threat, but the community remains stunned by the magnitude of the tragedy. The Mechanicville Central School District has stepped in to provide counseling for students affected by the loss, as the deaths occurred just days before the end of the school year.
The Family’s Background
Amy Steadman and her daughter Sarah Myers were known to be very close, often described as inseparable by neighbors. Steadman had been living in the same apartment complex as Myers and her children, part of the John S Moore Homes development. Neighbors recounted how Steadman was a constant presence, helping Myers with her children every day.
In 2026, Steadman had shared a GoFundMe campaign on her Facebook profile to help her daughter secure a domestic violence lawyer. The fundraiser, which has since been deleted, showed Myers and her children in matching outfits, pleading for support. Steadman’s post at the time read, Please help my daughter and grandchildren.
The Father’s Heartbreak
Brady Harmon, the father of the four children, has spoken out about the tragedy, revealing that he had been involved in a custody battle with Myers. The children were set to spend the summer with him in Utah, marking the first time they would visit him in six years. Harmon last spoke to his children on June 7 and received a text from Myers on June 10 stating that the kids were sick.
Harmon expressed his disbelief and heartbreak, speculating that the custody battle and the upcoming hearing might have pushed Myers and Steadman to commit such a heinous act. He described his children as happy little kids and recounted how they would show him their drawings, their cat, and things they had built during their FaceTime calls.
The community of Mechanicville continues to mourn the loss of six beloved family members. As the investigation unfolds, the town grapples with the unimaginable and seeks answers to the questions left in the wake of this tragic event.
