MECHANICVILLE, N.Y. (WCAX) – Police said evidence suggests a grandmother was involved in the deaths of her daughter and four grandchildren in Mechanicville, New York, and that they may have been poisoned.
Police were called to the home of Amy Steadman on Harris Avenue for a welfare check on Tuesday after neighbors said they hadn’t heard from the family for several days.
Inside, they found six people dead: Steadman, 64; Sarah Myers, 44; Harper Harmon, 13; Hudson Harmon, 11; Gavin Harmon, 10; and Gracelynn Harmon, 10.
The causes of their deaths remain under investigation, but Mechanicville’s police chief said evidence indicates intentional poisoning by numerous prescription and over-the-counter medications. One of the children also had sharp-force injuries.
Mechanicville Police Chief William Rabbit said a handwritten note strongly suggests grandmother Amy Steadman was involved, but police have not made a final determination.
“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 chief said.
Police reaffirmed that they believe there is no threat to the public.
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