US5 min(s) read
Published 16:00 26 Jun 2026 GMT
A grandmother's chilling note was discovered after she allegedly poisoned her daughter and four grandchildren before taking her own life.
The bodies of 64-year-old Amy Steadman, her daughter Sarah Myers, 44, and Myers' four children were found inside an apartment in Mechanicville on Tuesday after a concerned neighbor requested a welfare check.
Mechanicville Police Chief William Rabbitt said officers were called after neighbors reported not seeing Steadman for some time.
"When officers were unable to make contact with Ms. Steadman, building management was contacted and access to the apartment was obtained. Upon entering the residence, officers located six deceased individuals," Rabbitt said, per The Mirror.
Authorities later identified the victims as Myers and her children, Harper Harmon, 13, Hudson Harmon, 11, and 10-year-old twins Gavin and Gracelynn Harmon.
Police believe the family had been dead for an "extended period of time," with investigators initially struggling to identify the victims because of the condition of their remains.
Neighbor Stephanie Sweeney said she became worried after not hearing from the family for nearly two weeks. She said that she noticed a foul odor coming from the apartment.
"I noticed the smell of death," Sweeney said, recalling that flies had gathered around the windows and air conditioner.
She contacted police for a welfare check at around 6:20PM on Tuesday.
"I knew immediately, so I just called, I had to," she said.
Although the investigation remains ongoing, Rabbitt said evidence collected at the scene points to Steadman being responsible for the deaths.
Investigators recovered evidence "to indicate intentional poisoning," including "numerous prescription and over-the-counter medications."
Police also revealed that one of the children "suffered fatal sharp force injuries," though authorities have not disclosed which child.
Officials said they have found nothing to suggest anyone from outside the family was involved and believe everything happened inside the apartment.
The contents of the handwritten note have not been released.
Law enforcement said the causes and manners of death for all six victims remain pending while investigators await toxicology reports, final autopsy findings, and the medical examiner's conclusions.
"We understand the public's desire to identify someone to hold responsible. However, it is important that this investigation be completed thoroughly and professionally before final conclusions are reached," Rabbitt said. "There remains no threat to the public."
The police chief also confirmed the children were homeschooled rather than enrolled in public school.
"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," he added.
As investigators continue working to determine what happened, social media posts offer a glimpse into the family's life before the tragedy.
Myers regularly posted photos celebrating her children and once referred to herself as "mama bear" alongside a cartoon image featuring each of them.
Steadman also frequently posted about her grandchildren, writing in one post: "Any day with a grandchild in my arms, on my lap, in my home, or on my mind is an amazing day!"
The family had also been dealing with a lengthy custody dispute between Myers and her ex-husband, Brady Harmon.
According to court records, Harmon filed for divorce in March 2020, with the case concluding two months ago. Myers was awarded sole physical custody, while the former couple shared joint legal custody.
Harmon was ordered to pay $500 per week in child support and was granted scheduled visitation during the summer months.
Less than two months later, he filed an emergency motion seeking to enforce the custody order, while records show Myers had been ordered to appear in court on June 29, 2026, in potential contempt proceedings.
Public records reviewed did not show any criminal history for Harmon.
Harmon revealed that he had not seen his children since 2019 but had recently reached an agreement that would have allowed them to spend the summer together.
"I went from I’m seeing my kids to I’ll never see my kids again," he said. "Hope to hell. Things happen, but nothing like this."
He said police have not told him how his children died and added that he does not know who could be responsible.
The custody agreement would have allowed the children to stay with him in Utah from July 1 until September 1.
Now, the distraught father says he plans to bury them there. "I want them as far away as possible from their mother," he said.
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