Garden Opening at Binghamton Site Where Cheri Lindsey Died

Construction of a memorial garden on the property where a 12-year-old Binghamton girl was killed is nearing completion.

The project on the city's North Side is being developed on the site where Cheri Lindsey's body was found in March 1984.

Cheri disappeared while delivering newspapers in the neighborhood. Her body was found in a home at 6½ Sturges Street after a massive search.

Police arrested James Wales Sr. in connection with Cheri's death. He was sentenced to 33 years to life in prison after being convicted on murder and rape counts in the case. He is being held in Wende Correctional Facility in Erie County.

Broome County acquired the vacant house where Wales had lived in February 2020. The structure was torn down a few months later.

People who live near the property where the house once stood say they're pleased with the memorial garden project.

David Lindsey, Cheri's father, on Thursday expressed appreciation to Broome County Executive Jason Garnar for his interest in removing the house where his daughter was killed. Lindsey said his wife, Jean, has been visiting the site every day since work started on the garden project. He said "it means a lot to her."

Garnar told WNBF News he expects construction on the garden site will be completed in a couple of weeks. He said it's going to be "a memorial to children who tragically lost their lives."

Although most of the work on the project will be finished by the end of this month, flowers for the garden won't be planted until next spring.

The county executive expects a dedication ceremony will be held for the memorial garden, although a date has not been set.

FLASHBACK: Watch the demolition of the Sturges Street house on July 30, 2020.

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