Man Sentenced for Binghamton Fire That Killed “JR” Gaudet

The Binghamton man who was responsible for a blaze that resulted in the death of a veteran city firefighter has been sentenced to prison.

40-year-old John "JR" Gaudet died shortly after he was injured in a building collapse as he battled a fire in an abandoned building at 1 Main Street on February 12, 2025.

36-year-old Patrick Shea was indicted on charges of second-degree murder and fourth-degree arson in connection with the blaze.

Shea, who was homeless at the time of the deadly fire, was taken into custody in Kirkwood by city police. In January, he agreed to a plea deal in connection with the fire.

Shea plead guilty to the manslaughter and arson counts on January 8 in exchange for a seven year state prison sentence. He was formally sentenced in Broome County Court Monday.

According to WIVT News 34, Shea maintained that he "thought he had put the fire out and left the building, only to have the fire rekindle a couple of hours later."

The blaze spread rapidly to a neighboring building on Main Street. Gaudet was fatally injured when portions of the burning structures collapsed, trapping him under the debris.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: The scene in front of the Broome County Courthouse on Hawley Street in Binghamton on January 8, 2026.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.