"New York Post" Cites Aliza Spencer Killing in State Crime Story

The unsolved shooting death of a 12-year-old Binghamton girl is one of the cases the New York Post used to illustrate what it described as "violence across the Empire State."

The story appeared in the newspaper's Tuesday print editions under the headline: "Living in a 'State' of Fear."

According to the article: "It isn’t just the Big Apple that’s being hammered by violent crime thanks to bail reform — increased gunfire is riddling upstate cities, state figures show, with residents grieving the loss of slain loved ones and fearful to venture out on the streets after dark."

The story cited incidents in Binghamton, Syracuse, Rochester and Troy. It reported: "Fred Spencer was walking with his 12-year-old daughter, Aliza, and her older brother on April 21 when a single shot rang out and struck Aliza in the chest, killling her, less than 100 yards from the family's home in their normally peaceful East Side neighborhood."

A sign posted near the site of the fatal shooting of Aliza Spencer. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The Post article quoted East Side resident Jim Mangan as saying "gun violence has increased, definitely." Mangan moved to Binghamton from The Bronx eight years ago.

Mangan told WNBF News he spoke with a Post reporter last Thursday. He said the reporter and a photographer were on Bigelow Street, knocking on doors as they sought comment from people who lived near the scene where Aliza was shot.

Mangan said they were "inquiring about the increased gun violence in Binghamton" and the fatal shooting of the sixth-grade girl. He said he told them that the police "are investigating it and we've never heard anything since."

A memorial with flowers and balloons near the home of Aliza Spencer on Bigelow Street on April 25, 2022. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Mangan said the reporter cited some statistics about gun violence from last year compared to what's happened so far this year.

Binghamton police have said the investigation into Aliza Spencer's death is continuing. Detectives won't say whether there are any suspects in the shooting.

People with information about the case may contact the city police detective division at (607) 772-7080.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

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.

LOOK: What major laws were passed the year you were born?

Data for this list was acquired from trusted online sources and news outlets. Read on to discover what major law was passed the year you were born and learn its name, the vote count (where relevant), and its impact and significance.

How Many in America: From Guns to Ghost Towns

Can you take a guess as to how many public schools are in the U.S.? Do you have any clue as to how many billionaires might be residing there? Read on to find out—and learn a thing or two about each of these selection’s cultural significance and legacy along the way.

25 True Crime Locations: What Do They Look Like Today?

Below, find out where 25 of the most infamous crimes in history took place — and what the locations are used for today. (If they've been left standing.)