Final Text Message From New York Mother to Ex-Husband Raises New Questions Before Tragic Family Deaths

A newly revealed text exchange has provided additional insight into the final communication between a New York mother and her former husband before a devastating family tragedy unfolded.

Investigators examining the messages discovered that the mother had told her ex-husband that their children appeared to be suffering from a minor stomach illness. That statement has since become a significant detail in the timeline of events surrounding the deaths of the four children.

The message, which appeared ordinary at the time, has taken on a much darker meaning following the discovery of what authorities describe as a planned murder-suicide involving the children’s mother and grandmother.

The release of the conversation has raised new questions about what was happening during the hours before the tragedy and how the final messages fit into the broader investigation.

Family members and people close to the case have emphasized the importance of examining the full context rather than viewing individual messages separately.

The Final Message Before the Tragedy

According to investigators, Sarah Myers sent a message to her former husband, Brady Harmon, on the afternoon of June 10.

In the text, Myers reportedly told Harmon that the children had “a little stomach bug” and asked whether their scheduled online visit could be moved to another time.

The message appeared to suggest that the children were experiencing a temporary illness and that the schedule change was simply due to them feeling unwell.

At the time, Harmon had no reason to suspect anything unusual.

He responded casually, saying he would continue painting and hoped the children felt better soon.

However, authorities later determined that the situation was far more serious.

Police said that by the time those messages were exchanged, Myers and her mother, Amy Steadman, had already carried out a plan that resulted in the deaths of the four children.

Father Shares Emotional Messages

Harmon later released screenshots of the conversation in an emotional social media post.

The messages showed what appeared to be a normal exchange between two parents discussing their children’s health.

Harmon, who lived in Utah, said he had no knowledge of what was happening more than 2,000 miles away.

Authorities later revealed that the children had died inside the family’s Mechanicville apartment.

According to police, three of the children were killed in what investigators described as a suspected poisoning, while the fourth child suffered fatal injuries from a knife attack.

The father’s messages became especially painful after he realized the true circumstances behind the conversation.

The screenshots also showed Harmon attempting to contact Myers the following day, asking whether the children were feeling better.

He later attempted to make a scheduled video call, but nobody answered.

By that point, police said, Myers, Steadman, and the four children were already dead.

Investigation Reveals Alleged Planning

Police officials said the deaths were not the result of a sudden incident but rather the outcome of a carefully planned act.

Mechanicville Police Chief Bill Rabbitt stated that Myers and Steadman had allegedly been preparing for the killings days earlier.

According to investigators, the planning process began around June 5.

Authorities said Steadman visited multiple pharmacies and purchased various over-the-counter sleep medications as well as prescription drugs.

Investigators also recovered messages that allegedly showed discussions between the two women about how the crimes would happen.

Those conversations reportedly included details about where the deaths would occur, how medications would be given, how the children would be gathered together, what they would be told, and how suspicion could potentially be avoided.

False Sense of Security Before the Deaths

During the days leading up to the tragedy, Myers continued communicating with Harmon about future plans involving their children.

According to the released messages, she discussed arrangements for the children to spend part of the summer with their father in Utah.

In one message, Myers reportedly told Harmon that their summer plans were confirmed.

She also asked to discuss future FaceTime schedules and requested that child support payments be placed into her account so she could purchase items for the children.

The conversations gave Harmon the impression that everything was normal and that preparations were continuing for his children’s upcoming visit.

He had no indication that authorities would later connect Myers and Steadman to the deaths.

Final Conversation With His Children

One of the most painful discoveries for Harmon was learning that his last conversation with his children had already happened.

According to reports, Harmon had a video call with Myers’ phone on June 7 that lasted approximately 17 minutes.

At the time, he believed it was simply another opportunity to speak with his children.

Later, he realized it was the final time he would ever see or hear them.

Harmon told reporters that the children appeared happy and healthy during the call.

He described them as normal kids enjoying their lives, unaware of the tragedy that was approaching.

The emotional impact was especially significant because Harmon had not seen his children in person since 2019.

Remembering the Children

After learning about their deaths, Harmon spoke about his children and the devastating loss.

He had been looking forward to spending time with them and was preparing for their planned visit to Utah.

Shortly before the tragedy, he sent Myers questions about the children’s individual interests and personalities so he could better prepare for their time together.

He wanted to know what activities they enjoyed, what hobbies they had, and what would make them happy.

Those messages now represent painful reminders of the future he believed was ahead.

Ongoing Investigation and Unanswered Questions

The release of the text messages has added another layer to a case already marked by tragedy.

Investigators continue examining the timeline of events, the communications between Myers and Steadman, and the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

For Harmon and other family members, the messages provide a final glimpse into a period when they believed everything was normal.

What appeared to be a simple conversation about a childhood illness has become one of the most haunting details in the investigation.

As authorities continue reviewing evidence, the unanswered questions surrounding the final hours of the children’s lives remain at the center of the case.