A man who was released on parole earlier this year after a grand larceny conviction has been arrested and charged with six counts of second‑degree manslaughter and one count of arson for setting fire to a New York homeless hotel.
The blaze erupted at the Knights Inn in Endwell, Broome County, around 6 a.m. on Monday. Firefighters arrived to find the building fully engulfed, with heavy black smoke pouring from the front and flames visible at the rear.
The fire spread rapidly, prompting additional fire departments and law‑enforcement agencies to respond. At least six people died in the inferno, and two others were hospitalized for treatment.
Authorities have not released the identities of the victims. The Endwell Fire Department expressed condolences and pledged support to the affected families.
The American Red Cross provided assistance to displaced guests, and a temporary shelter was set up at a local church. An emergency relief fund was also established, raising tens of thousands of dollars for victims.
A Red Cross volunteer estimated that 73 people were displaced by the fire.
Investigators have identified a possible motive and continue to examine the case. The suspect, 24‑year‑old Tyler Russell, previously served about two years in state prison for grand larceny before being released on parole in February.
Russell was booked into the Broome County Jail on Monday and awaits arraignment.
The Knights Inn is one of several hotels used by the county’s Department of Social Services to house homeless individuals.
