LONG ARM OF THE LAW

Suspect Arrested in Binghamton University Killing

A 20-year-old student faces second-degree murder charges for the fatal stabbing that police say was “not a random act.”

Police have arrested a 20-year-old Binghamton University student in connection with the fatal stabbing of a college freshman late Sunday. The suspect, identified as Michael M. Roque, was reportedly taken into custody late Monday to face second-degree murder charges for the killing of 19-year-old Joao Souza. Souza, an engineering student, was found in his dorm room Sunday night with multiple stab wounds and later died in a local hospital. No details were immediately available on a motive in the killing, though police officials have said it was “not a random act.” Roque has pleaded not guilty and will reportedly be represented by a public defender.