The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) under New York Attorney General Letitia James has released its findings regarding the deaths of Bronxville Police Department Sergeant Watson Morgan, his wife Ornela Morgan, and their two sons. The family was found dead on December 30, 2023, in New City, Rockland County.
Following a detailed investigation that included physical and forensic evidence as well as ballistics analysis, OSI determined that Sergeant Morgan was solely responsible for the deaths of himself, his wife, and their children. The report stated there is no basis to seek charges against any living person.
According to the report, at around 12:16 a.m. on December 30, a Bronxville Police Department lieutenant contacted the Clarkstown Police Department to request a welfare check after Sergeant Morgan did not appear for his scheduled shift at 11:30 p.m. on December 29. Officers who arrived at the home found lights on and window blinds closed. After receiving no response at the door, they entered through an unlocked front door and discovered the bodies inside.
Investigators found no evidence of forced entry or involvement by any other individuals. Four shell casings and a pistol registered to Sergeant Morgan were recovered from the scene. Ballistic evidence matched Sergeant Morgan’s pistol, and DNA testing confirmed his DNA was present on the weapon.
“A full review of the evidence supports the conclusion that Sergeant Morgan was solely responsible for the deaths of himself, Ornela Morgan, and their two sons. There was no evidence of forced entry to the home, and no evidence indicating that any other person was involved. Officers recovered four shell casings and a pistol in the house registered to Sergeant Morgan. Ballistic evidence was consistent with Sergeant Morgan’s pistol, and DNA evidence confirmed Sergeant Morgan’s DNA on the pistol. Therefore, OSI concluded there is no basis on which to seek charges against any living person in this matter,” according to OSI’s statement.
