Police on Thursday released new details about the investigation into the deaths of six family members who were found inside a Saratoga County apartment earlier this week.
Mechanicville Police Chief William Rabbitt said investigators believe the deaths occurred entirely inside the apartment and that, based on the evidence collected so far, there is no indication anyone from outside the family was involved.
The evidence, including a handwritten note and other circumstantial evidence, “strongly suggests” that Amy Steadman was responsible for the deaths of her daughter, four grandchildren and herself, Rabbitt said.
However, he emphasized that investigators are awaiting final autopsy findings, toxicology reports and the medical examiner’s conclusions before making a final determination.
Six family members identified
The six people found dead inside an apartment on Harris Avenue in Mechanicville on Tuesday, June 23, were identified as:
Rabbitt said the victims were found inside Steadman’s apartment but could not be immediately identified because of the condition of their remains. Their identities were confirmed through autopsies and the subsequent investigation.
According to police, Myers was Steadman’s daughter, and the four children were Myers’ children and Steadman’s grandchildren.
Myers and her children lived in a separate apartment within the same housing complex, part of the John S. Moore Homes development operated by the Mechanicville Housing Authority.
Mechanicville is in Saratoga County, about 20 miles north of Albany.
Grandmother believed responsible
Rabbitt said evidence collected during the investigation, including the handwritten note, indicates Steadman was involved in the deaths of herself, her daughter and her four grandchildren.
“However, it is important that this investigation be completed thoroughly and professionally before final conclusions are reached,” he said.
Autopsies performed June 24 by Dr. Michael Sikirica at Albany Medical Center found that one of the children died from “fatal sharp-force injuries,” Rabbitt said.
Investigators also recovered multiple prescription and over-the-counter medication bottles, which police said indicate possible intentional poisoning.
The causes and manners of death for all six victims will not be officially determined until toxicology testing and the investigation are complete, Rabbitt said.
Welfare check led to discovery
Police were asked to conduct a welfare check after neighbors reported they had not seen Steadman for several days.
Officers arrived at the apartment at about 6:20 p.m. Tuesday and found all six family members dead inside.
Investigation continues
Rabbitt said the investigation remains active and that the information released Thursday is based on the evidence currently available. Additional findings could change investigators’ conclusions.
“The Mechanicville Police Department, in partnership with the New York State Police, remains committed to conducting a thorough and complete investigation while providing as much information as possible without compromising the integrity of that investigation,” Rabbitt said.
Authorities have not released additional details about how the six family members died. Final determinations will be made after autopsies, toxicology testing and the investigation are complete.
“Mechanicville is a close-knit city. Many residents knew the family involved, have children and grandchildren of their own, or simply cannot comprehend the loss of six lives under such heartbreaking circumstances,” Rabbitt said. “Our thoughts remain with the family members, friends, neighbors, first responders and everyone affected by this tragedy.”
What’s next?
Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact the Mechanicville Police Department at 518-664-7383.
The investigation remains ongoing with assistance from the New York State Police.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: New York grandmother suspected of killing 5 family members, police say
Reporting by Madison Scott and Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Madison Scott and Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
