Toxicology Report Reveals 4 New York Children Had Benadryl Ingredient and Kratom in Their Systems Before Deaths

New Toxicology Details Emerge in Tragic Mechanicville Murder-Suicide That Killed Four Siblings
New toxicology findings have shed light on the deaths of four siblings who were killed alongside their mother and grandmother in a devastating murder-suicide in Mechanicville, New York, earlier this year.
The incident occurred in June 2026, when siblings Harper Harmon, 13; Hudson Harmon, 11; Gracelynn Harmon, 10; and Gavin Harmon, 10, were found dead.
Their mother, Sarah Myers, 44, and grandmother, Amy Steadman, 64, also died in the incident. Authorities have determined the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide.
Additional details released on September 7–8 focused on toxicology results from the children.

According to reports cited by NewsChannel 13, all four children had diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in the antihistamine Benadryl, as well as kratom in their systems.
Diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness and is commonly used in antihistamine medications. Kratom is a plant-derived substance that can have varying effects depending on the amount consumed and other factors.
The released findings also provided information about how the individual children died.
According to the reports, Harper, Hudson and Gracelynn died from poisoning. Their deaths were attributed to the toxic substances found in their systems.
Their brother, Gavin, died from stab wounds. Investigators reportedly believe the 10-year-old may have been attempting to fight off the attack when he was stabbed.

The newly released information adds another disturbing layer to a case that has already devastated the Mechanicville community and left relatives and friends searching for answers.
The presence of diphenhydramine and kratom in all four children’s systems is now an important part of investigators’ understanding of the events leading to their deaths. However, the toxicology findings must be considered alongside the broader evidence gathered during the investigation.
Authorities have not indicated that the newly released findings change their determination that the incident was a murder-suicide.
The deaths of the four children, their mother and grandmother have left a lasting impact on the local community. As additional investigative details become public, the case continues to raise difficult questions about what happened inside the family home and how the tragedy unfolded.
The investigation has now entered a stage in which toxicology, forensic evidence and other findings are being pieced together to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Source: NY post