Full Breakdown
Tragic Discovery of Six Family Members in a Mechanicville Apartment
6/25/2026, 3:00:07 PM
Core Incident: Six Lives Lost During a Welfare Check
On Tuesday, June 23, officers responded to a welfare check at an apartment on Harris Avenue in the John S. Moore Homes, a development run by the Mechanicville Housing Authority. At approximately 6:20 p.m., police entered the unit and found six deceased individuals: two adults and four children. The investigation remains active, and authorities have not identified any additional persons involved or any public safety threat.
Background: The Housing Complex and the Welfare Check
The John S. Moore Homes provide low-income housing in Mechanicville, New York. Amy Steadman, 64, occupied one unit, while her daughter Sarah Myers, 44, and the four children lived in a nearby unit. Police were dispatched after neighbors reported that the family had not been seen for several days, prompting the welfare check that uncovered the fatalities.
Victims and Their Family Ties
- Amy Steadman (64) – mother of Sarah Myers and grandmother of the children.
- Sarah Myers (44) – daughter of Steadman, mother of four.
- Harper Harmon (13), Hudson Harmon (11), Gavin Harmon (10), Gracelynn Harmon (10) – children of Myers.
The family’s close bonds were noted by neighbors, who said the children often visited Steadman’s home.
Timeline of Key Events
- Early June – Myers and her children reportedly had no contact with relatives for roughly two weeks.
- June 23, 6:20 p.m. – Welfare check conducted; six bodies discovered.
- June 24 – Police released a statement confirming a criminal investigation and that no threat to the public exists.
- June 25 (Thursday) – Mechanicville Police scheduled a press conference at 10 a.m. for an investigative update.
Data Summary
- Victims: 6 (2 adults, 4 children).
- Ages: 64, 44, 13, 11, 10, 10.
- Evidence: No indication of additional individuals; autopsy results pending.
Official Statements & Responses
Mechanicville Police Chief Bill Rabbit said the incident “deeply affected our community” and affirmed that “there is no evidence indicating the involvement of any additional individuals.” The department’s news release described the case as a criminal investigation pending autopsy findings and reiterated that “there remains no known threat to the public.”
Criticism & Plea for Restraint
Cousin Cazlynn Ross urged the public to refrain from speculation, stating the family “needs answers” and asking that “people stop assuming and bashing her” without knowing what happened. Ross also mentioned Myers’ recent social-media posts suggesting she may have been a victim of domestic violence and that she had planned to start a nonprofit for children in crisis.
On-the-Ground Community Reaction
Neighbor Amanda Gary described the loss as “very upsetting,” emphasizing the tragedy of “four little babies.” Residents placed balloons, a teddy bear, and the children’s bicycles outside the apartment as a makeshift memorial. The Mechanicville school district announced counseling services for students.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The cause and manner of death remain undetermined; autopsy results have not been released. While social-media analysis hints at possible domestic-violence exposure, investigators have not confirmed any such link, leaving a gap between speculation and official findings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She was a wonderful person and wonderful mother. I know she was going through a custody battle and we are so heartbroken and don’t understand what happened and we need answers to find out what happened,” — Cazlynn Ross, cousin.
- “This is a tragic incident that has deeply affected our community. Our thoughts are with the family members, friends, and all those impacted by this loss,” — Bill Rabbit, Mechanicville Police Chief.
- “Very upsetting. Very upsetting. It’s, sorry, it’s just having a little guy and knowing that there’s just 4 little babies that are no longer with us, it’s very upsetting,” — Amanda Gary, neighbor.
- “We would like people to stop assuming and bashing her saying she did it when we have no idea what happened.” — Cazlynn Ross, cousin.
- “Investigators are treating this as a criminal investigation while awaiting the results of the autopsies,” — Mechanicville Police Department news release.
What’s Next
The Thursday press conference will provide the latest investigative details. Autopsy findings are expected to clarify the cause of death, and the police will continue to pursue leads. Community counseling remains available as the investigation proceeds.
