Binghamton Arsonist Sentenced for Firefighter's Death

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On April 6th, Patrick Shea was sentenced to 7 years in state prison and 5 years of post-release supervision for setting the fire that killed Binghamton firefighter John 'J.R.' Gaudet in 2025. Shea, who was homeless at the time, admitted to starting the fire inside a building to keep warm, but thought he had extinguished it before it rekindled and engulfed the structure.

Why it matters

Firefighter deaths in the line of duty are tragic events that deeply impact local communities. This case highlights the dangers that homeless individuals can face when trying to stay warm, as well as the risks firefighters take to protect public safety.

The details

Shea plead guilty in January 2026 to manslaughter and arson charges related to the February 2025 fire at 1 Main Street in Binghamton that killed Gaudet. The building became fully engulfed after the fire Shea started rekindled a couple hours after he thought he had put it out.

• On February 12, 2025, the fire that killed Gaudet occurred.
• On January 8, 2026, Shea plead guilty to manslaughter and arson charges.
• On April 6, 2026, Shea was sentenced to 7 years in prison and 5 years of post-release supervision.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge's sentencing of Shea to 7 years in prison and 5 years of post-release supervision is expected to provide some closure for the Binghamton community and Gaudet's family.