Paroled Felon Accused of Setting Deadly Fire That Killed Six at New York Homeless Shelter

Clear Facts

• Tyler Russell, 24, a paroled felon released in February after serving two years for grand larceny, has been arrested and charged with six counts of second-degree manslaughter and one count of arson.
• Six people died and two were hospitalized after a fire engulfed the Knights Inn in Endwell, New York, a hotel used to house homeless individuals through the county’s social services department.
• First responders found the building fully engulfed in flames with heavy black smoke at approximately 6 a.m., with at least 73 people displaced by the blaze.

A man released on parole just months ago after serving time for grand larceny now faces manslaughter and arson charges in connection with a deadly fire that claimed six lives at a New York homeless shelter.

Tyler Russell, 24, was arrested Monday and charged with six counts of second-degree manslaughter and one count of arson following the devastating blaze at the Knights Inn in Endwell, according to New York State Police. The hotel was being used by Broome County to house homeless individuals.

First responders arrived at approximately 6 a.m. after reports of a fire at the facility in Broome County. Crews from the Endwell Fire Department discovered the building completely engulfed in flames, with heavy black smoke billowing from the front and fire visible at the rear of the structure.

The fire spread with alarming speed, prompting multiple fire departments and law enforcement agencies to respond to the scene. At least six people perished in the blaze, and two others were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Authorities have not yet publicly identified the victims.

“First and foremost, our deepest thoughts and continuous prayers are with the victims and their families who were impacted by this morning’s tragic events. Please know that our entire department and community stand with you during this incredibly difficult time.”

The American Red Cross mobilized to assist displaced guests, and a temporary shelter was established at Vestal United Methodist Church. The United Way of Broome County launched an emergency relief fund for fire victims that has already raised tens of thousands of dollars in donations.

A Red Cross volunteer estimated that approximately 73 people were displaced by the fire, leaving dozens without shelter in the midst of winter.

Russell’s criminal history raises serious questions about the state’s parole system. He previously served approximately two years in state prison on a grand larceny conviction before being released on parole in February, according to prison records. Just months after his release, he now faces charges that could result in decades behind bars.

Authorities have not announced a possible motive for the alleged arson. The investigation remains ongoing as forensic teams work to determine the exact cause and origin of the fire.

Russell was booked into the Broome County Jail on Monday pending arraignment. He faces six counts of second-degree manslaughter in addition to the arson charge.

The Knights Inn is one of several local hotels contracted by the Broome County Department of Social Services to provide emergency housing for homeless individuals. The practice of using hotels for homeless housing has become increasingly common in New York as traditional shelter capacity has been strained.

This tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and the supervision of recently released offenders. Critics of New York’s criminal justice reforms have long warned that early release policies put communities at risk.

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