Find Your Binghamton New York Area New Recap Here

Whether you lead a busy life, or don't get to find out all that's happening news-wise in our community, this is why each week, we recap in an article, some of the essential local news we reported on 1290 AM, 92.1 FM, and 93.9 FM WNBF, our Townsquare Media Binghamton sister radio stations, as well as on our websites and social media platforms.

Catch up on some of the latest local and regional news items in a short recap we reported on for the week of April 13, 2026, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

New York State Police Seek Help In Decades-old Homicide Case

(Don Morgan)
New York State Police announced that they are renewing efforts in the ongoing investigation into a 45-year-old unsolved homicide of Barry G. Marguart. NYS Investigators have continued to actively renew evidence and pursue leads in an effort to bring justice to Marquart and his family. New York State Police are asking the public to look at a composite sketch that was developed in 1980 of a person of interest believed to be connected to this case, and is described as a white male who would’ve been in his 20s or 30s, 5’ 10” in height, and between 140 and 160 pounds at that time period. This person would have been in the Binghamton area in November of 1980. According to the NYS Police, this individual is not currently considered a suspect, but he was never publicly identified and may have critical information related to the investigation.

Binghamton Police Boost Presence Around High School

(Bob Joseph)
Additional police patrols were assigned to the area of the Binghamton High School following a series of fights. Several police units were dispatched to Main and Oak streets shortly after 3 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026, after disturbances involving several students occurred. Video posted to social media showed several juveniles involved in small skirmishes on the sidewalk and in the middle of the street. Police requested more units to provide assistance in the area of the high school. An ambulance was called to Main Street after a teenager sustained a laceration.

FBI Announces $50,000 Reward in Aliza Spencer Murder Case

(Bob Joseph)
The FBI has announced that the agency is offering a $50,000 reward in the effort to find the person who shot a 12-year-old Binghamton girl. Aliza Spencer died after she was struck in the chest by a gunshot while walking near her home on the city's East Side on the night of April 21, 2022. Binghamton residents have been seeking answers to their questions surrounding the mysterious shooting, which occurred while Aliza was walking near her home on Bigelow Street with her father and older brother. Craig Tremaroli, special agent in charge of the FBI Albany Field Office, spoke during a news conference at Binghamton City Hall on Tuesday. He said the reward offer is for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of those responsible for the murder of Aliza Spencer.

Police Arrest Pair For Stealing from the Elderly In Chenango County

(Don Morgan)
According to a report on Monday, April 13, 2026, members of the Troop C Community Stabilization Unit arrested two persons who were linked to the larceny of a firearm, ammunition, and blank checks stolen from a Chenango County residence. Troopers responded to a residence in Smithville Flats in February 2026 after discovering fraudulent charges on a victim’s account, and that a checkbook, revolver, and ammunition were missing. An Investigator discovered that 27 checks were fraudulently signed and numerous transactions were made using a credit/debit card, totaling just under $14,000. It was determined that two persons exploited the vulnerability of the older adults known to the female to steal the items.

Man Charged with Murder in Fatal Binghamton Stabbing

(Bob Joseph)
Binghamton police say a person died shortly after being stabbed inside a city residence. According to a news release, a suspect was taken into custody shortly after the attack on the city's North Side. Police officers were sent to 29 Virgil Street just after midnight Friday in response to a 911 call reporting someone "had been stabbed inside the housing facility."  Officers found the victim, who had sustained "a significant stab wound to the abdomen," in a common stairwell inside the two-story building. The injured person was transported to Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City. The victim died around 2:30 a.m. Friday. Police said the suspect in the stabbing is 54-year-old Roy A. Peterson of Binghamton. He was found in an apartment in the building and taken into custody.

Main Street Mayhem: Binghamton Police Investigate Incidents

(Bob Joseph)
Binghamton police closed a section of Main Street on the city's West Side after a man was stabbed and a woman was struck by a vehicle. Shortly after those apparently unrelated incidents, a blue bus used to transport Binghamton University students reportedly struck a utility pole while turning around due to the street closure. Police investigators released no information about the stabbing or the pedestrian who was injured. Officers were sent to the West Side Citgo, a small convenience store at 96 Main Street, shortly after 8 p.m. Friday, April 10th. A person who lives near the scene said men who had gathered on the side of the store near Mather Street apparently started to fight when one of them stabbed another. The man who was injured appeared to be conscious and alert before he was transported to Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City.

Find Local Drop-Off Locations For Drug Take Back Day

(Don Morgan)
National Drug Take Back Day is coming soon. This event normally happens twice per year - in April and again in October throughout the country. This year, 2026, will be the 30th year that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has hosted the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The next event will be held at nearly 4,200 locations nationwide. on Saturday, April 25th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. According to the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration, many unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands, and that can lead to a dangerous or even tragic situation. If you have unused, unneeded prescription drugs in your home, take advantage of Drug Take Back Day so that they can be safely disposed of.

Jim McCoy Closes "Chophouse" in Endicott's Union District

(Bob Joseph)
Broome County restaurateur Jim McCoy is leaving the business he's been involved in for nearly six decades. McCoy's Chophouse on West Main Street in the Union District of Endicott closed its doors last Saturday. In a letter to patrons, McCoy said he "made the difficult decision" to close the restaurant due to health reasons. He wrote that it's "finally time to slow down and enjoy life with my friends and family." McCoy expressed gratitude to those who worked at his restaurants in the Binghamton area. He also thanked customers "for choosing to spend your time with me over the years."

New Crime Victims Assistance Center Opens In Binghamton

Historic Johnson City Arch to Be Reassembled Soon

(Bob Joseph)
The Square Deal Arch restoration project in Johnson City may finally be completed in a matter of weeks. The Main Street structure that was built at the Binghamton city line in 1920 was removed nearly a year ago. Village officials had expected the restoration work could be accomplished while leaving the arch in place. But shortly after the project started, it became clear the structure's condition was much worse than first believed. A revised plan was developed, and most of the arch was removed so the necessary work could be done off-site. Mayor Christina Charuk told WNBF News that she believes the pieces of the historic structure can be reassembled very soon. She said she would like the project to be completed by Memorial Day.

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