Six Dead, Endwell Man Charged After Knights Inn Fire
By NewsXR Newswire

Six Dead, Endwell Man Charged After Knights Inn Fire
By NewsXR Newswire

ENDWELL, N.Y. – Six people are confirmed dead after a devastating fire Monday morning at the Knights Inn on East Main Street in Endwell, according to reports citing New York State Police.

The fire was reported around 6:01 a.m. Monday at the motel, located at 2603 East Main Street. State Police said first responders arrived to heavy black smoke at the front of the building and flames showing from the rear. The fire spread rapidly.

Multiple fire departments, ambulance crews, police agencies, the New York State Office of Fire, Broome County Office of Emergency Services, and the Broome County Mobile Crisis Response Team responded.

At least two people were transported to Wilson Medical Center. Numerous residents were displaced, and a temporary shelter was established at Vestal United Methodist Church. The American Red Cross is assisting residents with shelter, emotional support, meals, reunification, and long-term recovery needs.

An Endwell man has now been arrested in connection with the fire. WBNG identified the man charged as Tyler Russel, 24, of Endwell. Spectrum News identified him as Tyler J. Russell, 24, of Endwell. Because local reports currently show a spelling discrepancy, NewsXR is noting both source attributions until the spelling is confirmed by New York State Police or court records.

Both WBNG and Spectrum News report that he is charged with six counts of second-degree manslaughter and one count of fourth-degree arson. WBNG reported the arrest was made by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation around 8:26 p.m. Monday following consultation with the Broome County District Attorney’s Office.

The charges reflect the case as currently reported. As the investigation continues, the Broome County District Attorney’s Office may seek to amend, add, reduce, or otherwise revise charges based on additional evidence, autopsy findings, fire investigation results, witness statements, and court review.

He was processed at SP Endwell and turned over to the Broome County Jail for centralized arraignment.

The specific cause and origin of the fire have not yet been publicly released. Public reports confirm arson and manslaughter charges, but do not yet explain how investigators believe the fire began.

The identities of the six victims have not yet been released. As of this update, officials have not publicly confirmed the victims’ names, ages, family relationships, or other demographic information.

The Knights Inn was being used as temporary housing for people experiencing homelessness. Spectrum News reported the motel was one of several hotels and motels used by Broome County’s Department of Social Services to house families experiencing homelessness.

Town of Union Supervisor Robert Mack told WBNG that the community needs healing and compassion after a tragedy like this.

The fire has also renewed questions about Broome County’s reliance on motels for emergency housing. Residents and community advocates told local media they had concerns about safety conditions before the fire.

NewsXR will continue following confirmed updates from New York State Police, Broome County officials, local fire officials, the District Attorney’s Office, court records, and other public agencies.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

NewsXR extends our heartfelt condolences to the families, loved ones, neighbors, first responders, and the entire Endwell community affected by this tragedy. We are heartbroken for every life lost and for everyone carrying the pain of this devastating fire.

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