Hundreds come to mourn family killed in New City murder-suicide

The Town of Clarkstown says about 1,000 people came to Germonds Park in West Nyack Wednesday for a vigil.

News 12 Staff

Jan 3, 2024, 10:32 AM

Updated 275 days ago

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A Rockland County community continues to lean on each other as they mourn an entire family killed in a murder-suicide. The Town of Clarkstown says about 1,000 people came to Germonds Park in West Nyack Wednesday for a vigil.
Clarkstown police say Bronxville Police Sgt. Watson Morgan took his own life over the weekend after first shooting and killing his family. His wife, Ornela and their two sons, 10-year-old Liam and 12-year-old Gabriel, were all mourned Wednesday.
"He played tough always. He was resilient. He had no fear," a coach said of Gabriel.
Coaches and teachers remembered the boys as eager learners with contagious personalities.
"We used to have a catchphrase. 'Kids, if you don't know what to do, look at Liam.’ Liam was that trustworthy, that reliable," a teacher said.
New York City teachers came from a school in the Bronx to remember their colleague, Ornela.
A former student says she joined clubs and classes she had no interest in just to be around her mother figure.
"I wish I had the chance to see you one last time," she cried out.
Some of Ornela's family traveled from Massachusetts.
"Thank you for coming here tonight. Thank you," Ornela's aunt told the crowd.
As the community continues to heal, there will be a third church service for the family held Thursday night at St. Francis of Assisi.
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