Binghamton Man Indicted on Murder and Arson Counts

A Broome County grand jury has handed down an indictment in connection with the killing of a man in his Binghamton home.

29-year-old Austin Whitney of Binghamton was arraigned Wednesday on charges of second-degree murder, second-degree arson and tampering with physical evidence. He also was indicted on two counts of grand larceny.

Whitney is accused of striking 60-year-old Anthony Cebula several times with a hammer. The attack happened January 4 in Cebula's residence at 1 Chelsea Square in the First Ward. Prosecutors say Whitney allegedly set fire to the residence.

Cebula's body was found by a relative in a second-floor bedroom.

Whitney was taken into custody in Vestal Center more than a week after the deadly attack.