Binghamton Police Chief: “These Are Animals”

A 19-year-old pregnant woman who was repeatedly stabbed, viciously beaten and left for dead in a Binghamton house that was set on fire is expected to survive.

Police say the woman's boyfriend - 22-year-old Jordan Dordell - was killed early Monday in the home where the two were living at 32 Mygatt Street.

Binghamton police chief Joseph Zikuski Tuesday described the incident as "one of the most horrific, vicious crimes" he's seen in 34 years in law enforcement.

Two Binghamton men - 25-year-old Nigel Saunders and 21-year-old Julian Talamantez IV - have been charged with first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder.

Zikuski said Saunders and Talamantez are suspected of forcibly entering the Mygatt Street residence shortly before 6 a.m. Monday as Dordell and the woman slept.

The police chief said the man and woman were stabbed and beaten before an accelerant was poured, setting a fire.

The woman managed to use a broomstick to smash out a window and get out of the burning house. Dordell's body was found in the basement after the fire was extinguished.

Speaking with reporters at Binghamton City Hall Tuesday afternoon, Zikuski said the woman, who is six months pregnant, is at Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City. He said her condition has improved.

Zikuski said a pickup truck stolen from the residence was found by city police on Endicott Avenue in Johnson City. He said Saunders and Talamantez were taken into custody a short distance away on the West Side of Binghamton.

The police chief said: "These are animals we're dealing with." He said "it doesn't get more horrendous than this."

Zikuski said the woman managed to seek help despite having been stabbed more than twelve times and having sustained broken bones in the beating.

Zikuski said a dog that had been inside the house was found and was apparently uninjured.