NEW CITY, N.Y. – A tragic incident unfolded in Rockland County, where a family of four was discovered dead in an apparent murder-suicide over the weekend. The bodies of the family members were found inside their home on Clydesdale Court in New City during a wellness check in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Authorities identified the deceased as 49-year-old Watson Morgan, his 43-year-old wife Ornela Morgan, and their two sons, aged 10 and 12. Clarkstown Police believe that Watson Morgan fatally shot his family before taking his own life, with a handgun being recovered at the scene.
Shocked neighbors expressed disbelief at the news, describing the Morgans as a loving and caring family. Watson Morgan, a 16-year veteran of the Bronxville Police Department, had also previously worked with the New York City Police Department before joining the force in Bronxville.
The Bronxville Police Department issued a statement expressing profound sadness at the loss of innocent lives and extended their sympathies to Sergeant Morgan’s family and colleagues. Ornela Morgan, a dedicated New York City public school teacher, was also mourned by the educators’ community.
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to this tragic event, they have assured the public that it was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the community. Bereavement counselors will be made available for students in the Town of Clarkstown as they come to terms with this heartbreaking loss.
Anyone with information related to the investigation has been urged to come forward by contacting the Clarkstown Police Department at 845-639-5840. The community mourns the loss of this family and searches for answers in the wake of this devastating tragedy.