20-year-old Damien Stewart of Ithaca was indicted on the counts of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter by the Tompkins County Grand Jury on June 18 in connection to the fatal stabbing of 19-year-old Breanne Keane of Ithaca, according to a Monday press release from Matthew Van Houten, Tompkins County district attorney.
Keane, a high school senior, was fatally stabbed in her house in Cayuga Heights on May 23, and Stewart was arrested as a suspect at the scene. Cornell’s graduation ceremonies for the class of 2026 took place at the same time.
The maximum sentence for second-degree murder is 25 years to life, according to the press release.
Murder in the second degree is typically charged when someone commits intentional murder, but it is not premeditated.
Manslaughter in the first degree is charged when somebody intends to commit harm to another person and causes their death, or causes the death of someone else “under the influence of extreme emotional disturbance,” according to the New York State Senate website.
Keane was scheduled to graduate from the Lehman Alternative Community School on Tuesday. She planned to enter the SUNY Cobleskill Canine Training and Management Program and had a deep love for animals.
The Cayuga Heights Village Police Department, Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office and New York
State Police Forensic Identification Unit were responsible for conducting the investigation, according to the press release.
“An indictment, like any criminal charge, is solely an accusation,” the press release reads. “All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
Everett Chambala is an assistant news editor for the 144th board. He is working as the primary summer reporter for The Cornell Daily Sun through The Sun’s summer fellowship program.
Everett Chambala is a member of the Class of 2027 in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. He is an assistant news editor for the 144th Editorial Board and can be reached at echambala@cornellsun.com.
