Following the shooting death of a 12-year-old girl and what the mayor said was a dramatic increase in shootings over the past few weeks, Binghamton is committing $1 million to an effort designed to reduce gun violence, city officials announced Wednesday.
Aliza Spencer was shot and killed on Bigelow Street in the city. Nearly two weeks later, police said they have no concrete leads on a suspect.
“We believe somebody knows something, and if they don’t, at least the shooter knows. If somebody knows something and they’re not coming forward, shame on them," Police Chief Joseph Zikuski said. "We shouldn’t need a $29,500 reward for people to come forward and give us information on this.”
What You Need To Know
- 12-year-old Aliza Spencer was shot and killed less than two weeks ago
- Binghamton funding will add new community policing, a gun buyback program and a neighborhood watch group
- There are 18 confirmed reports of shots fired since the start of the year
Spencer’s tragic death has brought to light an unfortunate trend in the city.
To date, there have been 18 confirmed shootings in the city this year, compared to 10 in the same time in 2021, according to police. Six individuals have been shot this year, one fatally, compared to three shooting victims last year.
Mayor Jared Kraham said the city will invest $1 million in gun prevention efforts that will cover staffing for more community policing, additional patrols, a gun buyback program and a new neighborhood watch.
The funding comes from the federal American Rescue Plan.
“We will not continue to allow this to happen, and we will not allow a lack of resources to be the reason why our law enforcement officers do not have these tools. I’m not going to use excuses. I’m not going to pass the buck,” Kraham said.
The action comes as the community is still asking how Spencer was shot and killed without a clear suspect emerging. A reward for information started at $10,000, but has since risen to $29,500 due, in part, to community donations.
According to Binghamton Police, 28 firearms have been recovered this year, including six this past Tuesday, following a shots-fired incident in the First Ward of the city.
Binghamton detectives are investigating Spencer's death.
Anyone with information is asked to call the detectives division at 607-772-7080. Calls remain anonymous.