NEW CITY, NY – Authorities found the bodies of a family of four, in what appears to be a case of murder-suicide, in a New City home in Rockland County on Saturday. The family was identified as Watson Morgan, 49, Ornela Morgan, 43, and their two sons, ages 10 and 12. Officers made the grim discovery during a well-being check at the family residence on Clydesdale Court shortly after midnight.
According to the Clarkstown Police, it is suspected that Watson Morgan took the lives of his family members before committing suicide. Investigators at the scene recovered a handgun.
Clarkstown police revealed that Watson Morgan served as a sergeant with the Bronxville Police Department for 16 years. His career in law enforcement began with the New York Police Department (NYPD).
The Bronxville Police Department issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the senseless loss of innocent lives. Providing details about Sergeant Morgan’s career, the department shared that he joined the NYPD in 2000 and the Bronxville Police Department in 2007. He rose to the ranks of detective in 2014 and was promoted to the position of Sergeant in 2016.
Ornela Morgan had been serving as a public school teacher in New York City, as per the report from Educators of New York City.
The exact circumstances leading up to the tragic incident remain unresolved. Clarkstown police assured that this was an isolated incident and the public is not under any threat.
Residents of the neighborhood were taken aback by the tragic incident. Milagros Honoridez, a neighbor, expressed disbelief that such a tragedy occurred in their quiet community. Neighbors remembered Watson Morgan as a caring, loving father and family man. Honoridez emphasized that he always appeared to be devoted to his family and children.
The Town of Clarkstown announced the availability of grief counselors for local students.