WCDO Radio News

A Broome County Court jury convicted Nigel Smith for the murder of Bretnie Owens in Binghamton in June of 2013. Smith was found guilty of 2nd degree murder, 1st degree robbery, criminal trespassing and resisting arrest. Smith is due to be sentenced on November 17th.

2 Binghamton men were indicted for an alleged robbery-turned homicide against a South Side man last year. 40-year-old Nigel Smith and 36 year old Calvin Bell, were named in an indictment as co-defendants for multiple charges, including second-degree murder, in the June 15 death of Bretnie Owens. Smith, who is being held on a parole violation, pleaded not guilty last month in Broome County Court. Smith and Bell allegedly caused Owens’ death while committing a robbery. The men are accused of aiding and abetting each other to commit the crime.  Bell is being held in the Broome County jail

44-year-old Nigel Smith of Endicott was arraigned Tuesday for 2nd degree murder plus 1st & 2nd degree robbery in Broome County Court.  Smith is accused of killing of 44-year-old Bretnie Owens of Binghamton on June 15th at 11 Stone Street in Binghamton.  Smith faces additional charges for criminal trespassing and resisting arrest from the September 25th car chase through Binghamton & the town of Fenton.  Smith faces court action again on February 4th.

Broome County Sheriff department announced the arrest of a man wanted in connection with a recent homicide in Binghamton.  Police chased Nigel Smith to 17 Pine Street in the Town of Fenton this afternoon.  Smith was wanted by Binghamton police in connection with the murder of 44 year old Bretnie Owens at 11 Stone Street in Binghamton in June.  Smith was taken into custody after a brief struggle, Broome County deputies were assisted by state police, Binghamton police & a SWAT Team, and Smith faces court action shortly.

Binghamton City Police are investigating an apparent homicide at 11 Stone Street.  Police reported that 44-year-old Bretnie Owens was found deceased inside his apartment, the autopsy performed over the weekend ruled his death as a homicide.  Anyone with information is asked to call the Binghamton Police Detective at 772-7080.