- Four children were murdered by their mother, Amy Stedman, and grandmother, Sarah Myers, who then took their own lives, according to investigators.
- The medical examiner ruled the deaths of the children as homicides and the deaths of Stedman and Myers as suicides.
- Evidence indicates that Stedman and Myers conspired to kill the children, with no other individuals involved.
- Investigators uncovered handwritten notes, electronic messages, and internet search history that helped reconstruct the events leading to the murders.
- A handwritten letter signed by Stedman claimed the children were killed to protect them from alleged abuse.
- Text messages revealed discussions between Stedman and Myers about obtaining medications and planning the killings.
- The children were found dead on June 23, but investigators believe they were killed on June 10.
- The children's father, Brady Harmon, described the murders as a 'horrendous, spiteful act' and expressed disbelief over the actions of Stedman and Myers.
- The children, aged 10 to 13, were twins Gavin and Gracelynn, 11-year-old Hudson, and 13-year-old Harper.
- Harmon had been involved in a custody dispute but had reached an agreement to spend the summer with the children.
- Harmon last spoke to the children on June 7, when they appeared happy, but was later told they were sick.
Investigators in Mechanicville have concluded that Amy Stedman and her mother, Sarah Myers, conspired to murder four children, ages 10 to 13, before taking their own lives on June 10.19
The children were found dead on June 23, nearly two weeks after the killings.7
Evidence collected includes handwritten notes and text messages indicating a premeditated plan to poison the children with over-the-counter drugs. Police Chief William Rabbitt stated that the children's deaths were ruled homicides, while Stedman and Myers' deaths were ruled suicides.346
A chilling note signed by Stedman claimed the murders were intended to protect the children from alleged abuse by their father, Brady Harmon, who has denied these allegations. Harmon described the act as a 'horrendous, spiteful act' and expressed disbelief over the actions of the women.8
Investigators revealed that text messages exchanged between Stedman and Myers showed discussions about how to carry out the killings and avoid suspicion. One message stated, 'It's not working. We need another option.' The children suffered severe distress, with one child texting, 'Why would you do that? You both won't let me puke.'
The investigation remains open as final toxicology reports are pending, but authorities are confident in their findings. The case has drawn significant media attention due to its tragic nature and the shocking details surrounding the family dynamics involved.
“Brady Harmon, the children's father, called the killings a 'horrendous, spiteful act' and said he cannot comprehend the 'sick' and 'sadistic' actions. Police believe the children were killed June 10, nearly two weeks before the bodies were found, and the investigation remains open pending toxicology results.”
WSTM
The Sun
