NEW CITY, N.Y. – A tragedy unfolded in New City, New York, when a sergeant with the Bronxville Police Department allegedly killed his wife and two children in a murder-suicide, according to authorities on Saturday.
The bodies of Watson Morgan, 49, his wife Ornella, 43, and their sons, ages 10 and 12, were discovered with gunshot wounds in their home after Morgan failed to report for his shift and a welfare check was conducted by the Clarkstown Police Department. A firearm was also recovered at the scene.
The Clarkstown Police Department stated that it is believed that Morgan killed his family before ending his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Morgan, a 16-year veteran of the Bronxville Police Department, was promoted to sergeant in 2016 and had previously served with the NYPD starting in 2000.
In response to the tragic loss, Bronxville Police Chief Christopher Satriale expressed condolences for the extended family of Sergeant Morgan and the police department as a whole, emphasizing the profound impact of the senseless loss of innocent lives.
The Clarkstown Central School District, where the two boys had been students, addressed the devastating event in a letter to parents, acknowledging the challenging times ahead as the community grieves the loss of precious lives.
Authorities have not yet released further information about the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).