A tragic shooting in Conklin, New York, on Friday morning has claimed the life of Michael Lewis and left Jessica Kalyn Lewis critically injured. The Broome County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident occurred on Leslie Avenue around 10:45 a.m., sparking a swift response from law enforcement.
Deputies and New York State Police officers arrived at the scene following reports of gunfire involving a handgun. Witnesses described chaotic moments as officers approached the property. “They opened the front door and the guns went off,” a witness recounted. Officers retreated, donned protective vests, and returned equipped with rifles to secure the scene.
Authorities arrested the suspect, identified as 21-year-old Matthew S. Bartosik, without further escalation. Bartosik, reportedly the stepson of Michael Lewis and stepbrother of Jessica Kalyn Lewis, now faces several felony charges. These include second-degree murder, first- and second-degree attempted murder, and multiple firearm-related offenses. He was arraigned and remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility.
Jessica Kalyn Lewis, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds, was transported to UHS Wilson Medical Center, where she remains in critical condition. The circumstances leading to the shooting remain unclear, and investigators are actively working to uncover the motive.
In response to the incident, law enforcement temporarily closed streets surrounding Leslie Avenue, including Suncrest Drive and Inamour Drive, to ensure public safety and facilitate the investigation. Sheriff Fred Akshar reassured residents, stating, “There is no ongoing public danger.”
The community of Conklin is reeling from the tragedy, with residents grappling with the senseless violence that has disrupted their normally peaceful neighborhood. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit as the investigation continues.