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Binghamton Man Sentenced to 12.5 Years for Stabbing
Defendant convicted of assault and weapon possession for 2025 attack that nearly killed victim
Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:09pm
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Paul D. Graham, 50, of Binghamton, New York, was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison for stabbing a man in the chest during an altercation in January 2025. The victim suffered a life-threatening injury to his heart that required emergency surgery. Graham was convicted at trial in December 2025 of assault and weapon possession charges.
Why it matters
Violent crimes like this stabbing attack have a significant impact on the local community, raising concerns about public safety and the need for effective prosecution and sentencing of offenders. The case highlights the serious consequences of assault with a deadly weapon and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.
The details
According to prosecutors, the incident occurred on January 4, 2025, when officers responded to a disturbance call at Graham's residence. They found the victim suffering from a chest wound. An investigation revealed that earlier that evening, Graham, the victim, and the victim's girlfriend had been drinking at local bars. An argument developed between Graham and the victim, and the three later returned to Graham's home, where the altercation turned physical. The victim sustained a laceration to his chest that was determined to be caused by a 5-8 inch bladed weapon, cutting his heart. The victim required emergency surgery and intubation to survive the life-threatening injury.
- The incident occurred on January 4, 2025.
- Graham was convicted at trial on December 1, 2025.
- Graham was sentenced on March 12, 2026.
The players
Paul D. Graham
A 50-year-old Binghamton resident who was convicted and sentenced for the stabbing attack.
F. Paul Battisti
The Broome County District Attorney who announced the sentencing.
Carol A. Cocchiola
The judge who sentenced Graham to 12.5 years in prison.
Alexander Czebiniak
The senior assistant district attorney who prosecuted the case.
Thomas Brady
The district attorney investigator who assisted with the case.
What they’re saying
“This was a violent and intentional act that nearly cost a man his life.”
— F. Paul Battisti, District Attorney
“this wasn't a jab at him. This was a full force stab.”
— Carol A. Cocchiola, Judge
“You went back into the house and got the knife. This was a very intentional act.”
— Carol A. Cocchiola, Judge
“that was you trying to deflect any responsibility. You did have the intent.”
— Carol A. Cocchiola, Judge
“you feel that you're the victim, and you actually said it. And now you have to live with the sentence I'm about to impose.”
— Carol A. Cocchiola, Judge
What’s next
The judge warned that Graham's "inability to accept responsibility will interfere with [his] ability to reintegrate back into the community."
The takeaway
This case demonstrates the serious consequences of violent crimes like assault with a deadly weapon, and the importance of holding offenders accountable through effective prosecution and sentencing. It also highlights the impact these incidents can have on local communities in terms of public safety concerns.
