A man released on parole earlier this year on grand larceny charges is accused of setting a fire at a New York homeless hotel, killing six people and displacing dozens more, according to authorities.
Tyler Russell, 24, was arrested Monday and charged with six counts of second-degree manslaughter and one count of arson in connection with the blaze at the Knights Inn in Endwell, located in Broome County, New York State Police reported.
First responders arrived at the scene around 6 a.m. after receiving reports of a fire. Upon arrival, fire crews found the building fully engulfed, with heavy black smoke and flames visible. The fire spread rapidly, prompting responses from additional fire departments and law enforcement agencies.
At least six people died in the fire, and two others were transported to a hospital for treatment. Authorities have not yet publicly identified the victims. A volunteer with the American Red Cross estimated that approximately 73 people were displaced by the blaze. The organization, along with the United Way of Broome County, provided assistance to those affected, establishing a temporary shelter and launching an emergency relief fund.
Russell had previously served about two years in state prison for a grand larceny conviction before his release on parole in February, according to prison records.
Authorities have not announced a motive for the incident, and the investigation is ongoing. Russell was booked into the Broome County Jail pending arraignment. The Knights Inn is one of several hotels utilized by the Broome County Department of Social Services to house homeless individuals.
Separately, Jonathan Rinderknecht's federal arson trial is set to begin for allegedly starting the Palisades fire, which is described as the most expensive fire in U.S. history. The outcome of this trial is unrelated to the Endwell hotel fire.