Family of 4 found dead in apparent murder-suicide in New City, New York
NEW CITY, N.Y. -- A family of four was found dead in an apparent murder-suicide Saturday in Rockland County.
Officers found the bodies inside a home on Clydesdale Court in New City during a wellness check just after midnight.
The family members were identified as 49-year-old Watson Morgan, 43-year-old Ornela Morgan, and their two sons, ages 10 and 12.
Clarkstown Police said they believe Watson Morgan killed his family before shooting and killing himself. A handgun was recovered at the scene.
"We're just shocked. It's never happened in this the neighborhood," neighbor Milagros Honoridez said.
Police confirm Watson Morgan was a sergeant with the Bronxville Police Department, where he had worked for 16 years. Prior to that, he worked for the NYPD.
"He's a very loving father, that's all I can say. Very loving. Very caring family. I mean, he's a very caring person," Honoridez said. "Very caring to the family and the children, so that's why we were very baffled."
The Bronxville Police Department released the following statement Saturday:
"It is with profoundly broken hearts at the senseless loss of innocent lives that we send this message to a grieving community.
"Sergeant Watson Morgan and his two sons and wife were discovered deceased at their home in New City, all with gunshot wounds, with Sergeant Morgan's self-inflicted.
"Sergeant Morgan failed to appear for the evening shift last night and our Police Department contacted the Clarkstown Police Department in his hometown who made the discovery.
"Sergeant Morgan joined the New York City Police Department in 200 and the Bronxville Police Department in 2007. He was assigned to the detective division in 2014 and promoted to Sergeant in 2016.
"Our hearts go out to Sergeant Morgan's extended family.
"Our thoughts and prayers are also with his Bronxville Police Department family.
"As we try to come to terms in a state of shock and sadness, we will continue to share with you what we can based on what the Clarkstown Police Department releases, as this is an ongoing investigation."
Ornela Morgan was a New York City public school teacher, according to Educators of New York City.
It's still unclear what led to the family tragedy.
Police say this was an isolated incident and there is no danger to the public, but they ask anyone with information related to this investigation to call them at 845-639-5840.
The Town of Clarkstown says grief counselors will be available for students.