Police: Husband Kills Wife, 2 Children in Cross River Murder-Suicide

Entering into their first full day of investigation, police detectives are seeking answers to what perhaps may never be fully known — what happened inside 2 Lambert Ridge Road.

Police discovered four lifeless bodies inside the stately gray three-story home Tuesday afternoon: Amy and Samuel Friedlander and their two children, Molly, 10, and Gregory, 8, both students at Lewisboro Elementary School.

Police believe their deaths are the result of an apparent murder-suicide in which Samuel Friedlander killed his family and then himself. 

A press conference is set for 11 a.m. at the State Police barracks in Hawthorne.

Troopers were called to the house around 3:40 p.m. when someone began to wonder if everything was okay with the Friedlanders. Police aren't releasing yet who made the initial call. They also haven't yet revealed causes of death but autopsies will be performed.

What's clear is that few people, if anyone, who lived in the quiet neighborhood off Route 35 in Cross River had any clue something was wrong.

The couple — Amy, 46, Samuel, 50 — were getting a divorce and trying to sell the house they purchased just after the new year in 2002, stressful situations for anyone, but there were plenty of signs of optimism as well.

In a June feature with Bedford-Katonah Patch, Amy Friedlander shared the story behind John Jay Prep, a tutoring program for college-bound students she co-founded with another local mother to help local students achieve their college dreams. Appearing equal parts cheerleader and necessary taskmaster, the sense was that Amy's satisfaction came not from her own success, but those of her students.

The Friedlanders were married in 2000. The New York Times wedding announcement spotlights two successful individuals. Amy Friedlander graduated cum laude from Cornell University and held an M.B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania.

Sam Friedlander graduated from Skidmore College and received a law degree magna cum laude from Western New England College. At the time of the wedding announcement, he was an associate counsel of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners but had since started his own law firm.

More than a dozen state troopers responded to the incident Tuesday evening, combing through the home and property as neighbors looked on apprehensively.

In a note to all LES parents late last night, the district noted school will run at regular hours, but asked that children not be dropped off early. "Our staff requires adequate time to prepare and respond during this difficult time. Also, please know that social workers and psychologists will be available for students, staff and families," wrote Superintendent Paul Kreutzer.

Today, at 10 a.m., a light drizzle had set in at the home. Just two state troopers remained in front. Caution tape that had sealed off the driveway had fallen, laying now in a puddle.

Anyone with information is requested to contact the New York State Police at 914-277-3177 or 914-769-2600.