BINGHAMTON, N.Y. –- Charred walls are all that remain of a Walnut Street apartment, days after a fatal fire.

Police say it was inside the apartment where 61-year-old Victor Banayan was beaten to death.

An un-named woman was also beaten, but she escaped with bone fractures and wounds on her head and body.

An arrest has been made in connection with the attack.

Wilfredo Pica-Torres, who lived next door is charged with second degree murder and arson.

Police say Pica-Torres entered the home illegally just before 3, Saturday morning.

He then hit Banayan and the woman with a blunt object before setting the home on fire.

It's alleged that he and the woman were in a prior domestic relationship.

Three adults and four children on the second floor were forced to make a quick escape as flames ripped through their apartment.

Pica-Torres then fled to a vacant apartment on Thorp Street.

It's there where police say he barricaded himself in, before setting this building on fire as well.

Pica-Torres was later transported to Binghamton Police Headquarters where he was later charged with the following offenses:

  • Murder in the second degree 
  • Burglary in the first degree 
  • Two counts of Arson in the second degree


The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact 607-772-7080.