Toxicology Reveals Lethal Levels of Diphenhydramine in Six Mechanicville Deaths

New toxicology findings have revealed disturbing details surrounding the deaths of four children, their mother and their grandmother in Mechanicville, New York.

The victims were identified as 13-year-old Harper Harmon, 11-year-old Hudson Harmon, and 10-year-old twins Gavin and Gracelynn Harmon. Their mother, 44-year-old Sarah Myers, and grandmother, 64-year-old Amy Steadman, were also found dead inside Steadman’s apartment on June 23.

According to Mechanicville police, toxicology testing found diphenhydramine at fatal or lethal levels in all six people. Diphenhydramine is an over-the-counter antihistamine commonly used in medications such as Benadryl and some allergy and sleep products.

The testing also detected mitragynine, the primary active compound in kratom, in four of the six deceased. Police have not identified which individuals had the substance in their systems. However, WNYT previously reported that mitragynine was detected in all four children.

Police said the toxicology findings are consistent with the evidence developed during the investigation and do not change the previously announced determinations concerning the manner of death.

The deaths of Harper, Hudson, Gavin and Gracelynn were classified as homicides, while the deaths of Myers and Steadman were ruled suicides. Investigators have said evidence indicates the mother and grandmother planned and carried out the killings before taking their own lives.

Gavin Harmon also suffered fatal sharp-force injuries. Police previously said the 10-year-old was stabbed in addition to being poisoned.

The six deaths are believed to have occurred on June 10, nearly two weeks before the bodies were discovered during a welfare check. Investigators said communications between Myers and Steadman indicated that they had discussed and coordinated the killings beforehand.

The case had also involved a custody dispute between Myers and the children’s father, Brady Harmon, who lived in Utah. Investigators previously said Myers and Steadman left behind claims that they were acting to protect the children from alleged abuse. Authorities said they found no evidence substantiating those allegations, while Brady Harmon denied abusing Myers or the children.

Police have emphasized that the toxicology results are only part of the broader investigation, which remains ongoing. Authorities said they would continue reviewing the evidence before determining what additional information can appropriately be released.

The findings provide further confirmation of the poisoning investigators had suspected, while leaving the full circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths to the continuing investigation.

Source: The Sun