WEST NYACK, N.Y. — The community of West Nyack, New York, gathered at St. Francis of Assisi on Tuesday evening to mourn the tragic loss of the Morgan family in a murder-suicide over the weekend. According to religious leaders, the Morgans had been active members of the church for nearly a decade, and their presence was deeply felt in the community.
The church held two prayer services to honor the memory of the four victims, with hundreds of people in attendance to pay their respects. St. Francis of Assisi Rev. Richard Baker expressed the profound impact of the loss, stating that the tragedy was being deeply felt by those who knew and loved the Morgan family.
During the services, longtime parishioner Cathy Saladino shared fond memories of the Morgan family, describing them as kind, loving, and faithful members of the community. The Clarkstown police reported that Bronxville Police Sgt. Watson Morgan, 49, shot his wife, Ornela, 43, and his sons Gabriel, 12, and Liam, 10, before taking his own life. The entire community was left in shock and disbelief at the horrific event, and a sense of deep sorrow pervaded the church during the services.
In the wake of the tragedy, the church offered counseling support for those in need, emphasizing the strength and kindness of the St. Francis community. Amidst the darkness of the situation, Rev. Baker expressed hope that the light would continue to shine on the community.
The mourning for the Morgan family will continue with a third prayer service on Thursday, as well as a candlelight vigil organized by friends, the Clarkstown Central School District, the town of Clarkstown, and the Clarkstown Police Department on Wednesday at Germonds Park in West Nyack. The community has come together to support one another in this difficult time, and the outpouring of love and compassion for the Morgan family has been evident throughout West Nyack.