Last Updated on July 27, 2025

Fatal Stabbing in Ithaca Results in Second-Degree Murder Charge

A tragic fatal stabbing incident occurred in Ithaca on July 24th, resulting in the death of a 54-year-old local resident and subsequent murder charges. The Ithaca Police Department responded to a 911 call around 8:30 p.m. in the 200 block of Elmira Road, where they found the victim being assisted by bystanders after suffering stab wounds.

Despite immediate medical attention from EMTs with Bangs Ambulance, the victim was transported to a regional trauma center where he was later pronounced dead. Following an investigation by the Ithaca Police Department, with assistance from the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office, Ithaca Fire Department, and New York State Police, an arrest was made on July 27th. A suspect was charged with second-degree murder in connection with this tragic incident. The original news report provides additional details about the ongoing investigation.

Common Causes of Violent Crimes and Assault Cases

Violent crimes and assault incidents can occur for various reasons, often involving complex circumstances and contributing factors:

  • Disputes that escalate beyond verbal confrontation
  • Inadequate security measures at public venues or establishments
  • Poor lighting or unsafe conditions in public areas
  • Negligent supervision at bars, restaurants, or entertainment venues
  • Failure of property owners to maintain safe premises
  • Inadequate background checks for employees in service industries
  • Lack of proper crowd control at events or gatherings
  • Insufficient training for security personnel

When violent crimes occur due to negligence on the part of property owners, businesses, or security companies, victims and their families may be entitled to pursue legal compensation through civil litigation, separate from any criminal proceedings.

Wrongful Death Claims in Ithaca and Central New York

Tragic incidents like this fatal stabbing can give rise to wrongful death claims when the victim's death results from another person's intentional acts or negligence. In New York State, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue compensation through the civil court system, even when criminal charges are also filed against the perpetrator.

Potential liable parties in violent crime cases may include the direct perpetrator, property owners who failed to provide adequate security, businesses that overserved alcohol, security companies that provided negligent protection, or establishments that failed to maintain safe premises. Compensation in wrongful death cases can include medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, lost future earnings, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering endured by surviving family members. While no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, successful legal action can provide financial security and hold responsible parties accountable.

Damages and Compensation in Violent Crime Cases

Economic Damages include quantifiable financial losses such as medical bills, hospital expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and future earning capacity. These damages also cover funeral expenses and burial costs in wrongful death cases.

Non-Economic Damages compensate for intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and diminished quality of life. In wrongful death cases, this includes the loss of guidance, care, and consortium that the deceased would have provided to family members.

Future Losses account for ongoing medical care, long-term disability, and the deceased's projected lifetime earnings. Expert economists and medical professionals often provide testimony to establish these figures.

Compensation is calculated based on evidence including medical records, employment history, expert testimony, and documentation of the victim's relationships and contributions to family life. The purpose of monetary compensation is not only to restore financial stability but also to hold negligent parties accountable and deter similar future incidents. Each case is unique, and the amount of compensation depends on specific circumstances, the severity of injuries or loss, and the degree of negligence involved.

If your family has been affected by a violent crime or assault, it's crucial to understand that you may have legal options beyond the criminal justice system. Contact our experienced team at info@porterlawteam.com or through our contact form to discuss your situation and learn about potential legal remedies available to you.

Has your family been affected by a violent crime or wrongful death in New York?

CONTACT US
View Client Testimonials

Our Recent Case Results

$17,800,000

Settlement

$13,500,000

Jury Verdict

$8,300,000

Settlement

$8,250,000

Settlement

Why Choose Porter Law Group?

The lawyers at Porter Law Group have decades of experience representing individuals and families whose lives have been devastated by violent crimes and wrongful death cases. We have obtained some of the largest settlements and verdicts in courts throughout the State of New York, including cases involving premises liability, negligent security, and violent criminal acts. We are a state-wide firm that handles cases with a hometown feel, understanding the unique challenges faced by families dealing with traumatic losses.

Our clients come to us looking for guidance and answers during the most difficult times in their lives. With seasoned trial lawyers, Porter Law Group has the resources necessary to help you navigate the most complex cases, against insurance companies and defendants who will stop at nothing to prevent you and your family from receiving the compensation you deserve. We understand that no amount of money can bring back your loved one, but we fight tirelessly to ensure that negligent parties are held accountable and that your family receives the financial security needed to move forward.

You only get one chance to hire the best lawyer for you and your family. Hire the lawyers most recommended by former clients and local attorneys, and the firm that obtains superior results. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs and only pay attorney fees when we successfully recover compensation for your case.

Contact Porter Law Group Today

When you or your family's life has been devastated by a violent crime or wrongful death in New York, don't navigate this difficult time alone. The skilled legal team at Porter Law Group is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the justice your family deserves. We offer free initial consultations and are ready to guide you through the complex legal process while you focus on healing and remembering your loved one.

Call us today at 833-PORTER9 or email us at info@porterlawteam.com to schedule your free consultation. We serve clients across all of New York State and are committed to fighting for the compensation and accountability your family needs during this challenging time. Don't wait – there are time limits for filing wrongful death claims, so contact us promptly to protect your legal rights.

Call 833-PORTER9 or email us at info@porterlawteam.com to schedule your free consultation. Time may be limited for filing your claim, so reach out today to learn how we can help you through this difficult time.

Contact Us for a Free, 24/7 Consultation
833-PORTER9
Our Practice Areas
View All
Testimonials
Cancer Diagnosis Hit Our Family Hard
"My cancer diagnosis hit our family hard. Finding out that I was misdiagned made matters worse. Contacting Porter Law Group was my saving grace. From the start, Mike was at my side reassuring me that he would be there for support and guidance. I felt like family. The firm worked hard for my case and was very successful without going to court. I wouldn't have wanted any other team on my side besides Porter Law! Very professional, friendly and very highly regarded in the legal community. Top notch group." - Chriss S.
Thank You!
"Awesome company staffed hardworking people who are very well organized and concise in their decision making that helped me win my case. Mike Porter is the best personal Injury lawyer in town." - Paul S.
Professionalism Exemplified
"Michael represented our family in a medical malpractice suit. From the first consultation to the ultimate award, Michael and his firm handled the case with compassion, understanding and professionalism. He won the case and we were very satisfied with the award. I would unequivocally recommend Michael Porter as a medical malpractice attorney." - Mary G.
Diligent, determined, and kind
"Thanks to Mike and Eric I received a settlement that even today I can hardly believe it. Their diligence and determination made this settlement happen for me. But I also believe their heartfelt kindness and caring for people who have been wronged need to be compensated." Carolyn C.
Written By
Michael S. Porter
Personal Injury Attorney
Originally from Upstate New York, Mike built a distinguished legal career after graduating from Harvard University and earning his juris doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law. He served as a Captain in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, gaining expertise in trial work, and is now a respected trial attorney known for securing multiple million-dollar results for his clients while actively participating in legal organizations across Upstate NY.
Legally Reviewed on July 27, 2025
Eric C. Nordby
Personal Injury Attorney
Eric, with nearly three decades of experience in personal injury litigation, holds a law degree with honors from the University at Buffalo School of Law and a Bachelor's Degree from Cornell University. His extensive career encompasses diverse state and federal cases, resulting in substantial client recoveries, and he actively engages in legal associations while frequently lecturing on legal topics.
This Article Was Professionally Reviewed
This page was Legally Reviewed by Eric C. Nordby on July 27, 2025. Our experts verify everything you read to make sure it's up to date. For information on our content creation and review process read our editorial guidelines. If you notice an error or have any questions about our content please contact us.
PLG Personal Injury Logo

Get a Free Consultation

Contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation meeting to discuss your case and to gain some peace of mind from having all of your questions answered.
Our mission is simple: to defeat the powerful insurance companies that will stop at nothing to take advantage of our injured clients and their families.

If you or a family member has suffered a catastrophic injury or death due to someone’s negligence, you get only one shot to hire the best law firm for your family—the one with the experience and proven ability to get our clients the justice they deserve. Choose the Porter Law Group.
PLG Logo
Albany Office*
69 State Street
13th Floor
Albany, NY 12207
Buffalo Office*
50 Fountain Plaza
Suite 1400
Buffalo, NY 14202
NYC Office*
1177 Avenue of the Americas, 5th floor
New York, NY 10036
Rochester Office*
510 Clinton Square, Rochester, NY 14604
Syracuse Office
100 Madison Street,
15th Floor
Syracuse NY 13202

Avoid sharing confidential information via contact form, text, or voicemail as they are not secure. Please be aware that using any of these communication methods does not establish an attorney-client relationship. *By appointment only.

The information contained on this site is proprietary and protected. Any unauthorized or illegal use, copying, or dissemination will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. All content on this site is provided for informational purposes only. It is not, nor should it be taken as medical or legal advice. None of the content on this site is intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Attorney Advertising.

We serve clients in every city and county in New York State. These include places like: The Adirondacks, Albany, Alexandria Bay, Amsterdam, Astoria, Auburn, Ballston Spa, Batavia, Beacon, Binghamton, Brooklyn, Buffalo, Canandaigua, Carthage, Cattaraugus, Catskill, Cayuga Lake, Cazenovia, Chelsea, Clayton, Clifton Park, Cobleskill, Colonie, Cooperstown, Corning, Cortland, Delhi, Delmar, Dunkirk, East Aurora, East Hampton, Elmira, Fayetteville, Finger Lakes, Flushing, Fredonia, Fulton, Garden City, Geneva, Glen Cove, Glens Falls, Gloversville, Gouverneur, Great Neck, Greenwich Village, Hamilton, Hammondsport, Harlem, Haverstraw, Hempstead, Herkimer, Hornell, Hudson, Huntington, Ilion, Ithaca, Jamaica, Jamestown, Johnstown, Kingston, Lake George, Lake Placid, Lewiston, Little Falls, Liverpool, Lockport, Long Island City, Lowville, Malone, Manhattan, Manlius, Massena, Medina, Middletown, Monticello, Montauk, Mount Vernon, New Paltz, New Rochelle, Newburgh, Niagara Falls, North Tonawanda, Norwich, Nyack, Ogdensburg, Old Forge, Olean, Oneida, Oneonta, Ossining, Oswego, Penn Yan, Peekskill, Plattsburgh, Port Chester, Potsdam, Poughkeepsie, Queens, Rhinebeck, Riverhead, Rochester, Rome, Rye, Sag Harbor, Saranac Lake, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Seneca Falls, Seneca Lake, Skaneateles, SoHo, Southampton, Spring Valley, Staten Island, Stony Brook, Suffern, Syracuse, Tarrytown, The Bronx, Thousand Islands, Ticonderoga, Troy, Tupper Lake, Utica, Warsaw, Waterloo, Watertown, Watkins Glen, Wellsville, White Plains, Williamsburg, Woodstock, Yonkers, and many more communities throughout New York State.


Copyright © 2025, Porter Law Group. Personal Injury Lawyers
Made with 💛 by Gold Penguin

magnifiercross linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram