A devastating scene unfolded in a suburban Rockland County, New York home, where a family of four was found dead early Saturday morning, December 30.
The Clarkstown Police Department discovered the bodies of Watson Morgan, a 49-year-old sergeant with the Bronxville Police Department, his wife Ornela Morgan, aged 43, and their two sons, 10 and 12 years old, at their residence in New City.
The grim discovery was made at the family’s home at 10 Clydesdale Court around 12:20 a.m. during a welfare check conducted by the police. The welfare check was initiated after Sgt. Watson Morgan, who had served 16 years in the Bronxville Police Department following his tenure with the New York Police Department, failed to report for his scheduled shift on Friday night.
Investigators reported that all four family members died from gunshot wounds. Evidence at the scene led authorities to believe that Sgt. Morgan shot his wife and two children before taking his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A handgun was found at the scene, supporting this theory.
Ornela Morgan, Watson’s wife, was a technology teacher in a public school in New York City. The tragic event has deeply impacted the Bronxville Police Department, the Clarkstown Central School District, and the broader community. The two young victims attended local schools – Laurel Plains Elementary School and Felix Festa Middle School. The school district has expressed condolences for the loss of the two students and has announced plans to provide counseling services to the community.
Neighbors and acquaintances of the Morgan family expressed shock and disbelief, recalling Watson Morgan as a loving father. This sentiment was echoed by the Clarkstown School District, highlighting the stark contrast between the public perception of Morgan and the events that transpired. The investigation into the motives and circumstances surrounding the deaths is ongoing, with the Clarkstown Police Department continuing to gather evidence and insights.
The Clarkstown Police Department has assured the public that this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to community safety. However, they have appealed to the public for any information that might shed light on the case.
This incident has raised concerns and prompted discussions regarding mental health and wellness, especially among law enforcement personnel. The Bronxville Police Department, where Watson Morgan was nearing retirement in two months, is reportedly providing support to its officers in the wake of the incident.
