Damian D. Stewart, 20, was indicted by the Tompkins County Grand Jury on June 18 with charges of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter following the fatal stabbing of Breanne Keane in Cayuga Heights earlier this year.
The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on May 23 when Stewart allegedly fatally stabbed Keane at her home on Triphammer Road, according to a press release from Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten. The investigation was carried out by the Village of Cayuga Heights Police Department in conjunction with the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police Forensic Identification Unit.
Stewart has been remanded without bail pending trial. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life for second-degree murder under New York state law.
The indictment was announced on June 22 by District Attorney Van Houten, who emphasized that an indictment is merely an accusation and does not imply guilt until proven in court.
Community leaders have reassured residents there is no threat to public safety as the investigation remains ongoing. The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office notified local media of this update on May 24 following Keane's death.
No additional details about the circumstances leading up to the stabbing or Stewart and Keane's relationship were provided in the press releases, leaving many questions unanswered regarding the incident's background.