Crime
21-year-old Matthew Bartosik charged with murder for fatal shooting in Conklin
A Friday morning shooting in Conklin claimed the life of one man and left a woman seriously injured, according to the Broome County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident unfolded on Leslie Avenue, prompting a swift response from local and state law enforcement agencies.
The deceased victim has been identified as Michael Lewis, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second victim, Jessica Kalyn Lewis, sustained serious injuries and was transported to UHS Wilson Medical Center, where she remains in critical condition.
At approximately 10:45 a.m., deputies and New York State Police officers responded to reports of a shooting involving a handgun at a residence on Leslie Avenue in the Town of Conklin. Upon arrival, officers encountered immediate resistance.
According to an anonymous witness, officers entering the property were met with gunfire. “They opened the front door and the guns went off,” the witness reported. “They retreated to put on their vests and returned with rifles.”
Despite the chaos, law enforcement successfully apprehended the suspect without further escalation.
The suspect, Matthew S. Bartosik, 21, has been charged with a series of felonies, including:
- Murder in the 2nd Degree (for the death of Michael Lewis)
- Attempted Murder in the 1st and 2nd Degrees (for the shooting of Jessica Kalyn Lewis)
- Criminal Use of a Firearm in the 1st Degree
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree
- Aggravated Criminal Possession of a Weapon
- Criminal Contempt in the 1st Degree
Bartosik was arraigned and remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility, where he awaits further legal proceedings.
Sheriff Fred Akshar assured the public that there is no ongoing threat. “What I can tell the public is that there is no ongoing public danger,” Akshar stated during a press briefing.
In the immediate aftermath, areas surrounding Leslie Avenue, including Suncrest Drive and Inamour Drive, were shut down to ensure public safety and facilitate the investigation.
Officials confirmed that the investigation is active and ongoing, with additional details expected as the case develops.
Authorities encourage anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit.
This tragic event has left the Conklin community reeling, as investigators work to uncover the motives and circumstances surrounding the shooting.
BATON ROUGE, LA – March 12, 2025 – A high-speed crash on LA 30 near Bluebonnet Boulevard resulted in the deaths of 24-year-old Jeremiah Downing and 22-year-old Hunter LaGrange, both of Hahnville, Louisiana.
The Louisiana State Police Troop A is investigating the fatal incident, which occurred shortly after 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening.
Preliminary reports indicate that St. Gabriel Police officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro, driven by Downing, for speeding on LA 30.
However, Downing refused to comply and continued westbound at a high rate of speed in an apparent attempt to evade law enforcement.
As Downing approached the intersection at Bluebonnet Boulevard, a 2016 GMC Sierra traveling east on LA 30 was attempting to make a left turn onto Bluebonnet.
Investigators determined that Downing disregarded a red light at the intersection, resulting in a head-on collision with the GMC Sierra.
Jeremiah Downing (driver of the Camaro) was unrestrained at the time of the crash.
He sustained critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Hunter LaGrange (passenger in the Camaro) was also unrestrained and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the GMC Sierra was wearing a seatbelt and sustained serious injuries.
They were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
At this time, it is unclear whether impairment played a role in the crash.
However, standard toxicology samples have been collected and will be analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Louisiana State Police urge motorists to prioritize safety by obeying traffic signals, avoiding reckless driving, and always wearing a seatbelt.
Additional details will be provided as the investigation progresses.