A grandmother in upstate New York appears to have poisoned her daughter and four grandchildren in a murder-suicide that occurred just days before the children were scheduled to leave for their father’s custody in Utah, police revealed Thursday.
Evidence Points to Intentional Poisoning
Amy Steadman left a handwritten note that strongly suggests her involvement in the deaths of her daughter Sarah Myers, 44, and Myers’ four children: Harper Harmon, 13, Hudson Harmon, 11, and 10-year-old twins Gavin and Gracelynn, according to Mechanicville Chief of Police Bill Rabbitt. Evidence recovered from the apartment indicates intentional poisoning, including numerous prescription and over-the-counter medications. Local news sources reported that syringes were found inside the home, suggesting the children were injected with drugs.
Police discovered the five bodies during a welfare check Tuesday evening after a concerned neighbor reported not seeing Steadman for several days. The bodies were severely decomposed, preventing immediate identification and indicating they had been dead for an extended period. Investigators found no evidence of any outside individual being involved in the deaths.
Custody Battle Preceded Tragedy
The timing of the deaths appears connected to a recent custody decision. Brady Harmon, the children’s father, had recently been granted two-month custody of his four children, which was scheduled to begin the following Wednesday. Sources told local media that Steadman had grown resentful after learning about the custody arrangement. Harmon, who had not seen his children in person since 2019, was preparing his Utah home for their arrival when police arrived to deliver the devastating news.
Harmon told reporters he went from anticipating a reunion with his children to learning he would never see them again. He accused his former wife of keeping the children from him over the years, allowing only occasional video calls. Through tears, he expressed his desire to have had the children far away from their mother’s family.
Investigation Continues
Chief Rabbitt emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and will require considerable time to complete. Final determinations regarding responsibility will only be made after all investigative findings, toxicology results, and medical reviews have been finished. However, authorities maintain that the evidence strongly indicates these deaths occurred entirely within the apartment with no outside involvement. The case highlights the tragic consequences when family disputes escalate beyond legal resolution, leaving a father grieving children he fought years to see again.