Rockland County family found dead in possible murder-suicide

Posted by Kary Bruening on Friday, April 26, 2024

Explore More

A family of four was found dead in a Rockland County home early Saturday in what police believe to be a triple murder-suicide.

The four people were found in the home at 10 Clydesdale Court in New City around 12:20 a.m. while authorities responded to the address for a welfare check, according to the Clarkstown Police Department.

They were later identified as Watson Morgan, 49, his wife Ornela Morgan, 43, and their two sons, ages 10 and 12.

All four victims died from gunshot wounds, police said.

Watson Morgan, a sergeant with the Bronxville Police Department and former NYPD officer, is believed to have killed his wife and two children “prior to killing himself with a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” the department said.

A handgun was recovered at the scene.

Police advised that the shooting was an “isolated incident” and there is no threat to the public.

Authorities conducted a wellness check at the residence after Morgan, who was due to report to work at 11:30 p.m. Friday, never showed up, Clarksville Police Detective Norm Peters told The Post.

A family of four was found dead in a Rockland County home early Saturday in what police believe to be a triple murder-suicide. Watson Morgan/Facebook
The family of four was found at a home in New City. Google Maps
Police reported to the address for a wellness check at 12:20 a.m. Saturday. @clarkstownpd / Instagram
Bronxville Chief of Police Christopher Satriale said the departments’ “hearts go out to Sergeant Morgan’s extended family.”
Morgan joined the NYPD in 2000 before joining the force in Bronxville in 2007. AP
Ornela Morgan was an NYC Department of Education teacher at One World Middle School in the Bronx, sources told The Post. Watson Morgan/Facebook
The 3,200-square-foot home where the deaths were discovered was last sold in November 2016 for $577,000, according to Zillow. John Meore/The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK

There is no history of domestic violence at the Morgans’ residence, he said.

The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, Peters added.

Bronxville Chief of Police Christopher Satriale said the departments’ “hearts go out to Sergeant Morgan’s extended 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,” he told The Post in a statement.

The Bronxvillle police department said their “hearts go out to Sergeant Morgan’s extended family” in a statement. Watson Morgan/Facebook

Morgan joined the NYPD in 2000 and worked out of the Bronx in its Transit Bureau, sources said.

He joined the Bronxville force in 2007 and was assigned to the detective division in 2014 before being promoted to sergeant in 2016, Satriale said.

Ornela Morgan was an NYC Department of Education teacher at One World Middle School in the Bronx, sources told The Post. She was a technology teacher, according to the school’s website.

“We mourn the senseless loss of @NYCSchools teacher, Ornela Morgan, and her family. Rest in power, sister!” Educators of NYC wrote on X.

The 3,200-square-foot home where the deaths were discovered was last sold in November 2016 for $577,000, according to Zillow.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.

ncG1vNJzZmimqaW8tMCNnKamZ2Jlf3R7kGtmbGhfo7K4v46rppyjnJa7pXnCqKynrKlis6K5yKWwZp6fqrulecOemJ1lmaN6sbvSrKCbpJViura%2Bw56pZqulnrCqsMRo