ENDWELL, NY — State police have arrested a 24-year-old man on manslaughter and arson charges in connection with a fatal fire at a motel that killed six people.
Tyler J. Russell, of Endwell, was arrested at approximately 8:26 p.m. and charged with six counts of manslaughter in the second degree and one count of arson in the fourth degree.
The charges stem from a fire at the Knights Inn on June 22, 2026.
The Broome County 911 Center received multiple reports of a fire at the motel, located at 2603 East Main Street, at approximately 6:01 a.m. that day.
Members of the Endwell Fire Department arrived shortly after 6 a.m. to find heavy black smoke in the front of the building and flames showing from the rear of the building.
The fire spread rapidly.
Six fatalities have been confirmed.
At least two people were transported to Wilson Medical Center.
The identities of the victims will be released at a later time.
Russell was processed at State Police Endwell and turned over to the Broome County Jail for centralized arraignment.
Numerous residents were displaced and assisted by the Red Cross.
A temporary shelter was set up at the Vestal United Methodist Church.
Multiple fire departments, ambulance crews and police agencies responded to the scene.
