A heartbroken father recounts the harrowing moment when his four children, along with their mother and grandmother, were discovered deceased in their residence due to suspected poisoning. The tragic incident unfolded in Mechanicville, New York, where the bodies of Amy Steadman, 64, her daughter Sarah Myers, 44, and her four grandchildren—Harper, 13, Hudson, 11, Gavin, and Gracelynn, both 10—were found.
The distressing find was made by law enforcement responding to a welfare check, as stated by Mechanicville Police Department Chief William Rabbitt. Evidence at the scene suggested deliberate poisoning, with one child having suffered fatal blunt-force injuries, as revealed by the autopsy report.
Chief Rabbitt disclosed the presence of a note at the crime scene, combined with other evidence, strongly indicating Amy Steadman’s involvement. The children’s father, Brady Harmon, disclosed details of an ongoing custody dispute with Sarah Myers, mentioning plans for the children to spend the summer with him in Utah.
Harmon shared that he and Myers had tied the knot in 2015 but separated four years later, losing contact with his children since then. His last communication with the kids occurred on June 7, following a message from Myers on June 10 reporting their illness.
Expressing concern, Harmon elaborated on reaching out to the authorities multiple times upon learning of the children’s sickness. He fondly recalled his interactions with the children over FaceTime, eagerly anticipating their upcoming visit to Utah.
Describing his children as joyful and creative, Harmon reminisced about their personalities and shared drawings. Discovering his children’s absence just before Father’s Day, he expressed disbelief at the tragic loss, questioning the motives behind such a devastating act.
Steadman’s former husband, John Bauman, emphasized their love for the children and disputed any suspicion of their involvement in the tragedy. Refuting allegations made against him, Harmon asserted Myers’ responsibility, citing past incidents of violence and parental manipulation.
While authorities reassure the community of no ongoing threat, the lack of detailed information surrounding the incident has left the small town deeply unsettled by the tragic events.
