Lashandra Armstrong Kills Herself, Three Children Driving Minivan Into Hudson River in Newburgh

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Police say a 10-year-old boy escaped through the window of a minivan as his 25-year-old mother drove herself and three children into New York’s Hudson River. The mother and her three other children died.

A 10-year-old managed to open a power window, slip out and swim safely to shore through 45-degree water after his mother Lashandra Armstrong, distraught over an argument, drove the family minivan into the Hudson River at Washington Street about 7:45 p.m. Tuesday.

A passerby/good Samaritan identified as Mavis Ryan rushed the boy, Lashaun Armstrong, to a firehouse six blocks away.


Firefighters responded to the scene in darkness and steady rain and discovered the van about 75 feet offshore in eight to ten feet of water.

Police are investigating, and so far believe the murder-suicide is related to a verbal dispute at Lashandra’s apartment, 53 Washington Street, with Jean Pierre, father of three of the children.

Police say Armstrong had four child passengers in the vehicle when the minivan entered the water. The children are identified as 10-year-old Lashaun, 5-year-old Landen Pierce, 2-year-old Lance Pierre, and 11-month-old Lainaina Pierre.


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