BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — A brutal assault in downtown Binghamton has claimed the life of 45-year-old Peter Bennedum, sparking outrage and grief throughout the community. Bennedum succumbed to his injuries after being violently attacked Monday night, in a case that has drawn widespread attention and concern.
According to police, officers responded late Monday to the area of Carroll and Henry streets, where they found Bennedum unconscious on the sidewalk. Investigators say he had been punched and kicked by a group of youths in what authorities describe as a severe and targeted assault. Emergency responders rushed him for medical care, but his injuries proved too critical.
In the days following the attack, Bennedum remained on life support before ultimately succumbing to his injuries. His death has left his family devastated, with loved ones remembering him as a kind-hearted man who faced the challenges of homelessness. His mother shared that he would be taken off life support, a decision that marked a heartbreaking turning point.
Police quickly identified five suspects believed to be involved in the assault. Four teenage boys, ages 14 and 15, have been charged with second-degree attempted murder and are being held in a secure detention facility. A fifth suspect, a 13-year-old, was released to a guardian but is expected to face charges as the investigation continues.
A GoFundMe campaign created to help cover funeral and memorial expenses has raised more than $16,700 as of Friday. The fundraiser, organized by Bennedum’s mother, alleges that the teens targeted him because he was homeless and intended to record the attack for social media, adding a deeply troubling dimension to the case.
The incident has intensified calls for greater protection and support for unhoused individuals in the Binghamton area. Community members are expressing both sorrow and anger, demanding accountability while also reflecting on the broader issues highlighted by Bennedum’s death. As the case moves forward, many continue to mourn a life lost in a senseless act of violence.