Man Charged with Arson in Endwell Fire That Killed Six People

An Endwell man has been charged with manslaughter and arson in connection with a motel fire that left six people dead.

Authorities said 24-year-old Tyler J. Russell was arrested around 8:30 p.m. by state police investigators.

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Russell has been charged with six counts of second-degree manslaughter. He also faces a felony count of fourth-degree arson.

According to investigators, Russell was processed at the Endwell state police station and then turned over to Broome County Jail for arraignment.

Firefighters battled the blaze at Knights Inn on June 22, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Russell was arrested about 14 hours after the fire was reported at the Knights Inn at 2603 East Main Street in Endwell.

The first responders to arrive at the motel reported flames were shooting from the upper section of a two-story building.

Police and firefighters were told several people were entrapped in a second-floor room.

Fire tore through the Knights Inn on East Main Street in Endwell on June 22, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

State police reported early Monday afternoon that at least two people had been confirmed dead. A few hours later, investigators announced the death toll had risen to six. The names of those who died have not been released.

Endwell firefighters were assisted by units from several other fire departments. It took hours for the fire to be completely extinguished.

Emergency personnel gathered outside the Knights Inn on June 22, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

State troopers were posted at the Knights Inn property overnight to protect the crime scene.

The Red Cross was called to assist several dozen people who were displaced by the blaze.

A temporary shelter was set up at the Vestal United Methodist Church.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: A look at the fire-damaged Knights Inn just before dawn on June 23, 2026.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: Firefighters battled the blaze on East Main Street in Endwell on June 22, 2026.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.

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