Binghamton Man Sentenced to 25 to Life for Hammer-Attack Killing

A man who admitted killing a Binghamton resident by repeatedly hitting him in the head with a hammer has received the maximum sentence for second-degree murder.

According to the Broome County District Attorney's Office, 30-year-old Austin Whitney of Binghamton was sentenced in connection with the death of Anthony Cebula.

The body of the 60-year-old Cebula was found in a second-floor bedroom of his First Ward home by a relative on January 4, 2021. Police investigators said the attacker tried to set a fire in the residence at 1 Chelsea Square.

Chelsea Square in Binghamton's First Ward on January 6, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Whitney was on the run for about a week after Cebula died. Investigators eventually received a tip that the suspect was seen on Grand Avenue in Vestal Center. He fled into a wooded area when police spotted him walking along Route 26.

Units from the Vestal and Binghamton police departments, along with Broome County sheriff's deputies and state troopers searched for Whitney for about 30 minutes.

Authorities said Whitney sustained lacerations as he tried to elude police.

In a news release, Broome County District Attorney Michael Korchak said:

The community needs to be protected from violent individuals like Whitney. We are pleased that the Court agreed with our recommendation that the maximum sentence under New York State law of 25 years to life was warranted.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

LOOK: What 25 Historic Battlefields Look Like Today

The following is an examination of what became of the sites where America waged its most important and often most brutal campaigns of war. Using a variety of sources, Stacker selected 25 historically significant battlefields in American history. For each one, Stacker investigated what happened there when the battles raged as well as what became of those hallowed grounds when the fighting stopped.

These are the battlefields that defined the United States military’s journey from upstart Colonial rebels to an invincible global war machine.

LOOK: MLB history from the year you were born

Stacker compiled key moments from Major League Baseball's history over the past 100 years. Using a variety of sources from Major League Baseball (MLB) record books, the Baseball Hall of Fame, and audio and video from events, we've listed the iconic moments that shaped a sport and a nation. Read through to find out what happened in MLB history the year you were born.

The Best Country Singer From Every State

Some states, like Oklahoma and Texas, are loaded with famous country singers. Others, like Nevada and Maine, are still looking for a real breakthrough artist. See the best and most successful country music artist from all 50 states, starting with Hank Williams and Alabama.

See How School Cafeteria Meals Have Changed Over the Past 100 Years

Using government and news reports, Stacker has traced the history of cafeteria meals from their inception to the present day, with data from news and government reports. Read on to see how various legal acts, food trends, and budget cuts have changed what kids are getting on their trays.

Source: Binghamton Man Sentenced to 25 to Life for Hammer-Attack Killing

Filed Under: Binghamton, Broome County Court, First Ward, murder, sentencing

Categories: Articles, Local News