A New York motel fire that tore through a Knights Inn early Monday morning has now left six people dead — and a 24-year-old man is facing manslaughter and arson charges.
Tyler J. Russell, of Endwell, New York, was arrested after the deadly blaze at the Knights Inn on East Main Street in Endwell, a community located near Binghamton.
New York State Police said Russell has been charged with six counts of second-degree manslaughter and one count of fourth-degree arson. Authorities have not yet explained what led investigators to Russell or how they believe the fire started.
The fire was reported around 6:01 a.m. Monday, June 22. When crews with the Endwell Fire Department arrived, they found heavy black smoke pouring from the front of the motel and flames showing from the rear of the building. Officials said the fire spread rapidly.
State police initially reported two deaths and multiple injuries, but the death toll later climbed to six as investigators continued searching the scene.
The names of the victims have not been publicly released.
Several motel residents were also displaced by the fire and are now receiving help from the American Red Cross. Many were taken to Vestal United Methodist Church, which has been serving as a temporary shelter for those forced out by the blaze.
The Red Cross is accepting clothing and hygiene product donations for the victims, though officials said the church is not accepting food donations at this time.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the New York State Office of Fire, the Broome County Office of Emergency Services and the Broome County Mobile Crisis Response Team. The Broome County Sheriff’s Office, the Broome County Executive, the Town of Union Supervisor and other emergency responders also assisted.
Russell was processed at the State Police barracks in Endwell and taken to the Broome County Jail, according to reports.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released a possible motive.
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