Authorities have arrested and charged Tyler J. Russell, a 24-year-old man from Endwell, New York, in connection with a devastating fire at the Knights Inn motel that claimed six lives and displaced dozens of residents and guests.
According to New York State Police, Russell was taken into custody at approximately 8:30 p.m. and charged with six counts of second-degree manslaughter and one felony count of fourth-degree arson. Following his arrest, he was processed at the Endwell State Police station before being transferred to the Broome County Jail pending arraignment.
The arrest came roughly 14 hours after a fast-moving fire broke out at the Knights Inn, located at 2603 East Main Street in Endwell. Emergency crews responded to reports of flames rapidly spreading through portions of the two-story motel.
When firefighters and law enforcement officers arrived, they encountered heavy fire conditions, with flames shooting from the upper level of the building. First responders were informed that multiple people were trapped inside a second-floor room, prompting an urgent rescue effort as crews worked to evacuate occupants and contain the blaze.
Authorities initially confirmed two fatalities but later announced that the death toll had risen to six. The identities of the victims have not yet been released as officials continue notifying family members.
Firefighters from Endwell were assisted by several neighboring departments, remaining at the scene for hours before the fire was fully extinguished. Investigators secured the property overnight as they processed evidence and worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The American Red Cross also responded to the disaster, assisting dozens of displaced residents and establishing a temporary shelter at Vestal United Methodist Church to provide emergency housing and support services.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. The charges against Tyler J. Russell mark the first significant development in a tragedy that has shocked the Endwell community and left six families grieving an unimaginable loss.