Reckless Road Rage Incident Claims Life in Broome County

Broome County was rattled by tragedy over the weekend as a fatal motor vehicle accident took the life of 29-year-old Conklin resident Charles Burrell Jr. The incident, allegedly caused by a road rage dispute, unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, September 15, 2024, on Morgan Rd in the Town of Binghamton.

Chaotic Scene Unfolds

Shortly after 3:00 a.m. Broome County Sheriff Road Patrol deputies report that they rushed to the intersection of Morgan Road and Cobblestone Court following reports of a serious injury accident involving two vehicles. Upon arriving at the scene, deputies discovered a scene of devastation - two vehicles, a U-Haul pickup truck and a Honda sedan, were mangled from the collision. Tragically, Charles Burrell Jr. was found with serious injuries and was pronounced dead on-site after being ejected during the crash.

Road Rage Escalates to Tragedy

According to the Broome County Sheriff's Office, an investigation into the incident unearthed a disturbing narrative of a road rage dispute between the drivers of the two vehicles - Cody Diffendorf of Kirkwood and James Macdowall of Binghamton. Displaying reckless behavior while traveling south on Morgan Road, the erratic driving of both individuals culminated in a catastrophic loss of control, leading to the fatal crash.

Macdowall's Honda sedan reportedly careened off the road, ultimately rolling over and ejecting Burrell from his seat. Meanwhile, Diffendorf's U-Haul pickup also veered off the roadway, though thankfully, no injuries were sustained by its occupants who immediately called for emergency assistance. Macdowall, after fleeing the scene, was later apprehended at his residence.

Criminal Charges Laid

After the tragedy, Macdowall and Diffendorf faced severe legal consequences for their reckless actions. The Broome County Sheriff's Office reports they were each charged with Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree, a Class C Felony, reflective of the gravity of their conduct. Diffendorf was arrested and remanded to the Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility, while Macdowall, admitted to Wilson Hospital for observation, was also taken into custody.

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Pursuit of Justice

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office has not relented in its pursuit of justice, with the Accident Reconstruction Unit and Detective Division diligently working to unravel the details surrounding the fatal incident. Sheriff Fred Akshar voiced his sentiments, decrying the avoidable and senseless nature of the accident, and emphasizing the devastating impact on Burrell's loved ones. He expressed confidence in the legal system to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.