ENDWELL, N.Y. — Authorities have arrested and charged a 24-year-old Endwell man in connection with a devastating motel fire that claimed the lives of six people and displaced dozens of others.
According to investigators, Tyler J. Russell was taken into custody by New York State Police investigators around 8:30 p.m. and has been charged with six counts of second-degree manslaughter. He also faces one felony count of fourth-degree arson.
Russell was processed at the Endwell State Police station before being transferred to the Broome County Jail, where he was held pending arraignment.
The arrest came approximately 14 hours after a fire broke out at the Knights Inn motel located at 2603 East Main Street in Endwell. Emergency crews responded to the scene after reports of a rapidly spreading blaze engulfing part of the two-story building.
First responders arriving at the motel reported seeing flames shooting from the upper section of the structure. Firefighters and police were informed that several individuals were trapped inside a second-floor room as crews worked urgently to rescue occupants and contain the fire.
Earlier Monday, state police confirmed that at least two people had died in the blaze. Later that afternoon, investigators announced that the death toll had risen to six. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims as notifications to family members continue.
Firefighters from Endwell were assisted by multiple neighboring departments in battling the intense fire. Crews remained on scene for several hours before the blaze was fully extinguished.
Following the incident, state troopers secured the Knights Inn property overnight as investigators processed the scene and gathered evidence related to the fire.
The American Red Cross responded to assist several dozen residents and guests who were displaced by the disaster. A temporary shelter was established at the Vestal United Methodist Church to provide emergency housing and support services.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the deadly fire. Russell’s charges mark the first major development in a case that has shocked the Endwell community and left six families mourning an unimaginable loss.
