The Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Company is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction after firefighter Justin Speights was fatally stabbed during a fight at a New Year’s Eve party in Crawford. His mother, Lisa Speights, spoke with reporters on Jan. 4. “My son did not deserve this at all.”
Silver Lake spokesman Jeff Jaques said Speights was a “true hero” conveying stories of how he would take a cab to a fire if he had no transportation or would ride his bike to the firehouse if the fire alarm sounded, reported the MidHudsonNews. “He was very dedicated to his work.”
Troopers said as many as 100 people were attending a party at a home in Crawford when 20-year-old Justin Speights was stabbed several times in the torso while breaking up a fight in the early morning hours of Jan. 1. Police say some partygoers unsuccessfully tried to revive him. No arrests have been made.
The Scotchtown man was a well-liked member of the volunteer fire district and also worked part-time for the district. He was a 2014 graduate of Pine Bush High School.
Town of Wallkill Supervisor Dan Depew says a reward poster will be put up on electronic billboards on state Route 17. The state police in Middletown are currently investigating the fatal stabbing and asking anyone who may have attended the party or has any information regarding this crime to contact Middletown BCI at (845) 344-5300.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
