Latest developments in Jeffrey Aissa case: What to know about Binghamton fire, new charges
Twelve years after a fire destroyed a family home on the East Side of Binghamton, killing a 17-year-old, a New Milford, Pennsylvania man has been charged with murder and arson.
Over the past decade, the Aissa family offered a $1,000 reward and the Binghamton Police Department matched it, bringing the total to $2,000. The arrest announced Wednesday marked the first significant public development in the investigation, which over the years has been listed among the police department's database of unsolved crimes and a Facebook page dedicated to keeping Jeffrey Aissa's death in the public eye.
Here's what to know about the criminal charges and what happened in the early morning hours of March 17, 2011.
What are the latest developments in the case?
On Tuesday, 38-year-old Jeremiah J. Raub was charged with second-degree murder and second-degree arson, according to the Binghamton Police Department.
Court documents obtained by the Press & Sun-Bulletin outline the details of the arson and murder charges. The documents accuse Raub of setting fire to refuse while at 20 Milford St., which caused the house to catch on fire.
Raub is charged with murder because, according to the court documents, he allegedly set the fire that resulted in the death of Jeffrey Aissa. Raub is accused of acting alone.
Breaking news: 12 years after Binghamton house fire killed Jeffrey Aissa, 17, Pa man charged with murder
Five years after his death: Arson victim Jeffrey Aissa remembered
For subscribers: How Binghamton startup KLAW Industries is keeping glass out of overpacked landfills
“This arrest comes after years of work by the Binghamton Police Department, and especially the Detective Division, to solve this case and help bring closure to the family,” Binghamton Police Chief Joseph T. Zikuski said. “We would like to thank the community for information provided to us on this case over the years."
Zikuski said the case "remains an active investigation," and encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
Raub was arraigned in Binghamton City Court and sent to the Broome County jail. If convicted of second-degree murder, he could face a maximum prison sentence of 25 years to life.
How the Milford Street fire started
The fire started at 20 Milford St. in Binghamton at about 3:30 a.m. and neighbors rushed to wake the family once they were awakened by the sound of the flames and radiating heat.
According to Press & Sun-Bulletin archives, witnesses said they saw fire on the front porch before flames engulfed the rest of the house and firefighters said the structure's aging asphalt shingles contributed to the speed of the fire.
Jeffrey Aissa, 17, died after he became separated from the rest of the family, including four of his siblings, as they all attempted to escape.
Law enforcement officials labeled the fire arson, long considering the blaze to have been set intentionally. Fire investigators ruled out natural causes, such as an electrical malfunction.
A second fire — just three blocks away on Gaylord Street in a recycling bin outside the front porch of a residence — was reported 15 minutes after the Milford Street alarm, leading police and fire investigators to believe the two fires are related.
Who was Jeffrey Aissa?
Maureen Aissa adopted Jeffrey and his twin brother, Jacob, from a Siberian orphanage when they were 2.
Jeffrey attended Binghamton High School. He has been remembered by his family for his love of nature and trees, especially at Christmastime.
He also spent his time bowling, playing video games or watching family sitcoms.
Follow Emily Barnes on Twitter @ByEmilyBarnes. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Jeffrey Aissa murder: What to know about 2011 Binghamton arson case
