Police Responded To What Seemed Like Another Emergency Call In Upstate New York — But The Heartbreaking Discovery Waiting Inside The Apartment Has Left An Entire Community Searching For Answers

by

A GRANDMOTHER has been found dead inside her apartment alongside her daughter and four grandchildren after neighbors raised concerns that they hadn’t been seen in days.

The circumstances surrounding the family’s death remain unclear as investigators suspect there were no other individuals involved.

A woman with four children, one holding a certificate, standing in a line indoors.
Sarah Myers, 44, and her four children were found dead inside an apartment in New YorkCredit: Facebook

 

A woman with gray hair and glasses smiles at the camera.
Myers and her children were found dead alongside her mother Amy Stedman (pictured) inside Stedman’s apartmentCredit: Facebook

 

Crime scene investigation with forensic teams in white suits and police officers, surrounded by yellow police tape.
Authorities were called to the scene after neighbors called for a welfare checkCredit: CBS 6 Albany

 

Chief Bill Rabbitt of Mechanicville Police speaks to reporters at night.
Mechanicville Chief of Police Bill Rabbitt said it was too early to determine a manner of deathCredit: News10

Police in Mechanicville, New York, north of Albany, responded to the apartment at around 6:20pm on Tuesday.

All of the victims were found inside the apartment of Amy Stedman, a 64-year-old grandmother, police said.

Stedman’s daughter, Sarah Myers, 44, and her four children reside elsewhere in the apartment complex but were found dead in Stedman’s home.

The four children have been identified as Harper Harmon, 13, Hudson Harmon, 11, Gavin Harmon, 10 and Gracelynn Harmon, 10.

Cancer survivor ‘killed by boyfriend’ found dead in suitcase after vanishing

“Investigators are treating this as a criminal investigation while awaiting the results of the autopsies,” police said.

Preliminary information indicated there was no evidence of any additional individuals involved.

There is no known threat to the public, authorities added.

A neighbor told CBS affiliate WRGB they hadn’t seen the family in about two weeks.S

inger performs to audience of just TWO and denies it’s his mum & aunt

Mechanicville Chief of Police Bill Rabbitt told the New York Post that it was too early in the investigation to characterize the nature of the victims’ deaths.

“Because the autopsies are still underway and investigators are continuing to gather and verify information, I am not prepared to characterize this incident as a homicide, murder-suicide, or any other manner of death at this time,” he said.

“This is a tragic incident that has deeply affected our community,” he said.

“Our thoughts are with the family members, friends, and all those impacted by this loss.”

A woman and four children, all wearing red and black plaid outfits, pose in front of a red building.
Police said Myers and her four children lived in another apartment at the complexCredit: Facebook

 

Four children in school attire, smiling and wearing backpacks.
The children’s ages ranged between 10 and 13Credit: Facebook

 

Police tape blocks off an area at night near a vehicle with its brake lights on and several trash cans.
Police conducted the welfare check around 6:20pm on TuesdayCredit: CBS 6 Albany

 

Forensic investigators at a crime scene.
Investigators in protective gear were seen at the scene of the apartment complexCredit: News10

One neighbor of the apartment complex told NBC affiliate WNYT that she had not seen the family in days.

“Very upsetting. Very upsetting. It’s, sorry, it’s just having a little guy and knowing that there’s just four little babies that are no longer with us, it’s very upsetting,” she said.

Neighbors told ABC affiliate WTEN that the area is filled with young families and older people.

“When something big happens in the community, when something devastating happens in the community, they all tend to band together and help,” resident Amanda Gray said.

Heather Schremsher, a neighbor, is interviewed in front of "State Police Do Not Cross" tape.
Neighbor Heather Schremsher said she didn’t know how to explain the situation to their children.Credit: News10

 

Yellow police tape cordoning off a sidewalk and street in front of a brick building at night.
Police tape was seen at the apartment complex in Mechanicville, a town roughly 20 miles north of AlbanyCredit: News10

Locals were left shaken by the discovery and don’t know how to explain the situation to their children.

“The kids are always listening when the adults are talking, so they’re going to know somethings up, especially when their friends don’t show up for school,” local resident Heather Schremsher said.

The Mechanicville School District said they would be offering counseling to any student who feels they need someone to talk to.

CBS Mornings firing fan-favorite host led to ‘worst ratings month EVER’

The investigation remains ongoing, with the New York State Police Major Crimes Unit assisting Mechanicville authorities.