A man who was paroled earlier this year after a grand larceny conviction is now accused of igniting a fire at a New York hotel used to house homeless residents, a blaze that killed six people and forced many others from the building, authorities said.
Tyler Russell, 24, was taken into custody Monday and faces six counts of second-degree manslaughter along with one arson charge tied to the fire at the Knights Inn in Endwell, New York State Police said.
Emergency crews were called to the Broome County hotel at around 6 a.m. following reports of a fire. When Endwell Fire Department firefighters arrived, they found the structure consumed by flames, with dense black smoke coming from the front and fire visible at the back of the building.
Police said the flames moved quickly through the property, prompting additional fire departments and law enforcement agencies to respond and help at the scene.
Tyler Russell was charged with six counts of second-degree manslaughter and one count of arson. (Broome County Sheriff’s Office)
At least six people were killed, and two others were taken to a hospital for medical care, according to police. Officials have not publicly released the names of those who died.
“First and foremost, our deepest thoughts and continuous prayers are with the victims and their families who were impacted by this morning’s tragic events. Please know that our entire department and community stand with you during this incredibly difficult time,” the Endwell Fire Department said in a Facebook post.
The American Red Cross helped guests displaced by the fire, while officials opened a temporary shelter at Vestal United Methodist Church, police said. The United Way of Broome County also created an emergency relief fund for victims, drawing tens of thousands of dollars in contributions.
At least six people died in the fire and two were transported to a hospital for treatment. (Endwell Fire)
A volunteer with the Red Cross estimated that 73 people were displaced by the blaze, according to the Democrat and Chronicle.
Authorities have not announced a possible motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Russell previously served about two years in state prison on a grand larceny conviction before being released on parole in February, according to prison records cited by Syracuse.com.
A volunteer with the Red Cross estimated that 73 people were displaced by the fire. (Endwell Fire)
Police said Russell was booked into the Broome County Jail on Monday pending arraignment.
The Knights Inn is one of several local hotels used by the Broome County Department of Social Services to house homeless people, according to WIVT.
