'Devastated' Widow Speaks Out on Mark Madoff Suicide

(Dec. 16) -- In her first public statement since her husband committed suicide, the widow of Mark Madoff said she is "devastated and now raising two small children alone."

Madoff, 46, was found hanged in his Manhattan apartment Saturday, the second anniversary of the arrest of his father, Bernie Madoff, in connection with a giant Ponzi scheme.

"My husband Mark took his own life, and regardless of what you feel about my father-in-law and his monstrous crimes, Mark's children are innocent victims and this is tragic for them," Stephanie Morgan said in a statement, The Wall Street Journal reported. "I deeply appreciate the expressions of heartfelt sympathy and support I have received over the past several days from so many people who knew and loved Mark. I will miss him and love him forever."

Morgan confirmed that her husband's body was cremated Wednesday and that a private memorial will be held later this week, according to the newspaper. Bernie Madoff is serving a 150-year sentence at a federal prison in North Carolina and was not present at the cremation.

Morgan had her name and her children's names legally changed from "Madoff" earlier this year because of the notoriety over the giant financial scandal, the New York Post reported.

Mark Madoff denied knowing that his father had masterminded the huge investment scam. In a final message to his lawyer, the Journal reported, he said, "Nobody wants to believe the truth. Please take care of my family."