Homeless Man Charged with Murder in Death of Binghamton Resident

Binghamton police have arrested a suspect in connection with the killing of a city man.

Authorities say 29-year-old Austin Whitney of Binghamton has been charged with second-degree murder and second-degree arson.

Whitney, who police say does not have a permanent address, had been wanted after the body of 60-year-old Anthony Cebula was discovered on January 4.

The body was found in a second-floor bedroom by a relative in Cebula's home at 1 Chelsea Square. Detectives believe the killer tried to set the room on fire.

Police learned Whitney was on Grand Avenue in Vestal Center shortly before noon Tuesday. When he was spotted walking nearby on Route 26, he ran into a wooded area.

Units from the Vestal and Binghamton police departments, along with the Broome County Sheriff's Office and New York State Police assisted in tracking down Whitney.

The suspect was found after about 30 minutes. He had sustained minor lacerations as he tried to elude police. He was evaluated and then taken to Binghamton for his arraignment in city court.