MECHANICVILLE, NY – A 64-year-old grandmother has been named as the primary suspect in the intentional poisoning deaths of her adult daughter and four young grandchildren inside a Mechanicville apartment.
The Victims and the Suspect
During a press conference, Mechanicville Chief of Police William Rabbitt identified Amy Steadman, 64, as the individual suspected of carrying out the fatal poisonings.
The victims have been identified as:
- Sarah Myers, 44 (Steadman’s daughter)
- Harper Harmon, 13 (Grandchild)
- Hudson Harmon, 11 (Grandchild)
- Gavin and Gracelynn Harmon, 10 (Twin grandchildren)
Evidence of Intentional Poisoning
Police discovered the bodies just before 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, after neighbors requested a welfare check at the Harris Avenue home. Authorities state the family had been deceased for an “extended period of time” before being found.
Chief Rabbitt confirmed that investigators recovered a handwritten note alongside circumstantial evidence and numerous over-the-counter medications inside the apartment. Preliminary findings strongly suggest Steadman’s direct involvement, and authorities emphasize there is no evidence pointing to an outside intruder.
Custody Battle Cut Short
The children’s father, Brady Harmon, spoke from his home in Salt Lake City, revealing he had been fighting a legal battle for custody and visitation for six years. He had not seen his children in person since November 2019 and was reportedly just days away from a scheduled reunion.
Chief Rabbitt noted that the children were not enrolled in public schools, which may have contributed to how long the incident went unnoticed. A specific motive for the crime has not yet been disclosed, and the investigation remains active.
