Watson and Ornela Morgan deaths: Former NYPD cop fatally shoots wife, 2 children before killing himself

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ROCKLAND COUNTY, NEW YORK: A family of four was found dead in a Rockland County home early Saturday, December 30, in what police believe to be a triple murder-suicide.

The four people were found in their home at 10 Clydesdale Court in New City around 12.20 am while authorities responded to the address for a welfare check, according to the police station.

Who were the victims? 

The victims were later identified as 49-year-old Watson Morgan, his 43-year-old wife Ornela Morgan,  and their two sons, ages 10 and 12.

All four victims died from gunshot wounds, police said, as per NY Post . 

According to the police, Watson Morgan, a former NYPD cop and current sergeant with the Bronxville Police police, killed his wife and two children "prior to killing himself with a self-inflicted gunshot wound".

A handgun was recovered at the scene. Police advised that the shooting was an “isolated incident” and there is no threat to the public.

Morgan was supposed to go to work at 11.30 pm on Friday, but he never showed up, according to Clarksville Police Detective Norm Peters, who spoke with The Post about the wellness check that was done at the apartment.

There is no history of domestic violence at the Morgans’ residence, he said. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, Peters added.

Police continue investigation

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.

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

In 2014, he was assigned to the detective branch of the Bronxville department, and in 2016, according to Satriale, he was promoted to sergeant. He had joined the force in 2007.

According to people who spoke with The Post, Ornela Morgan taught at One World Middle School in the Bronx for the NYC Department of Education. As stated on the school website, she was a technology teacher.

"We mourn the senseless loss of @NYCSchools teacher, Ornela Morgan, and her family. Rest in power, sister!” Educators of NYC wrote on X (previously known as Twitter)