Four children—Harper Harmon, 13; Hudson Harmon, 11; Gavin Harmon, 10; and Gracelynn Harmon, 10—were found dead in an apartment in Mechanicville, New York, along with their mother, Sarah Myers, 44, and grandmother, Amy Steadman, 64, on June 23. The bodies were discovered after their father, Brady Harmon, raised the alarm following a missed scheduled video call on June 13. A neighbor also requested a welfare check after noticing flies around the apartment window, which often indicates a decomposing body. Toxicology reports indicated the children had diphenhydramine, a common ingredient in the allergy medication Benadryl, and Kratom, a psychoactive herbal substance, in their systems. Police Chief William Rabbitt stated that preliminary toxicology findings were consistent with the investigation’s direction. A full report is expected soon. According to police, three of the children were fatally poisoned, while Gavin suffered stab wounds, suggesting he attempted to protect himself. A handwritten confession signed by Steadman was found at the scene, stating that she believed killing the children was necessary to protect them from alleged abuse in Utah, where the family was planning to reside. The note also indicated that Steadman believed Myers had done everything possible but received no help. Myers had been involved in a custody battle with Harmon, who had not seen his children in person since 2019. She had planned to take them to Utah for the summer, and a custody hearing was scheduled for June 29. Myers had claimed on social media she was a victim of domestic violence, a claim Harmon denies. She had also created a GoFundMe to raise money for legal fees and travel to Utah. Investigators revealed that Steadman had conducted online searches related to medication reactions, insulin effects on non-diabetics, the Utah court system, and information on fatal injuries. She had visited multiple pharmacies and exchanged texts with Myers discussing plans for the murders, including where they would occur, how the children would be brought together, and how suspicion could be avoided. Text messages indicated that the plan did not go as intended, with one exchange stating, “It’s not working, we need another option.” Gracelynn had sent a message complaining about her stomach and asking, “Why would you do that? You both won’t let me puke,” prompting Steadman to send a final message: “Gracie is aware.” Rabbitt stated that the communications between Steadman and Myers showed they were coordinating during the murders. Harmon described the killings as “horrendous” and “spiteful,” expressing anguish over his children’s suffering. The ashes of the four children have since been laid to rest in Utah.