Binghamton Salvation Army to Stay Closed After Deadly Stabbing

The Salvation Army Center for Worship and Service in downtown Binghamton has not reopened since a fatal attack at a community dinner.

57-year-old Kevin L. Ray of Endicott was pronounced dead at Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City shortly after he was repeatedly stabbed late Tuesday afternoon.

Binghamton police on Washington Street after a fatal stabbing on May 13, 2025. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

City police arrested 37-year-old Michael W. Brutvan of Binghamton in connection with the assault. He has been charged with second-degree murder.

The stabbing occurred inside the Salvation Army complex at 131 Washington Street.

Mayor Jared Kraham said "it's very clear that the operations there cannot continue." He told WNBF News "they will be shutting down operations at that facility."

Meal services were suspended for a few days in October 2023 after a series of disturbances. Operations resumed after the agency developed an "action plan" in response to the problems.

A sign posted at the Salvation Army center at 131 Washington Street on May 15, 2025. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The Salvation Army already has been preparing to close the Washington Street site and move its Binghamton operations to 86 Walnut Street on the city's West Side.

The agency acquired that property from Luciano Piccirilli for $515,000 last year. The building originally was used for medical offices. It most recently had been home to some Catholic Charities of Broome County operations.

Construction workers were busy remodeling the Walnut Street building Thursday.

Renovation work was underway at this building at 86 Walnut Street on May 15, 2025. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Captain Joseph Hansen, who oversees Binghamton Salvation Army programs, said the new location could open next October.

Mayor Kraham said the city will work with the organization on developing temporary locations or operations.

Hansen has said 100 to 150 people often attended the community meals on Washington Street.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: Workers were busy at the future Binghamton Salvation Army center on Walnut Street on May 15, 2025.

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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.

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