From: Sergeant William Goodwin Contact Number: (607)737-5617
Date: June 24th, 2024
Subject: Manslaughter Arrests
On July 2nd 2023, the Elmira Police Department, Elmira Fire Department, and Erway Ambulance responded to an address in the 400 block of Gaines St for a reported unresponsive 2 year old child. Lifesaving measures were performed on the child who was subsequently life-flighted to Golisano Children’s Hospital in Monroe County for advanced care.
A search warrant for the residence was executed by members of the Elmira Police Department Detective Bureau and a criminal investigation ensued. On July 7th, 2023 Investigators were informed that the child had succumbed to his injuries due to complications related to fentanyl intoxication.
This case was presented to the Chemung County Grand Jury and on June 24th, 2024 the parents of the deceased were both arrested on Superior Court Warrants as a result of the Grand Jury Indictment.
Lance Townsend, a 44 year old Elmira resident is being charged with Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C Felony, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A Misdemeanor.
Keyana Townsend, a 35 year old Elmira resident is being charged with Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C Felony, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A Misdemeanor.
Lance and Keyana Townsend are being held at the Chemung County Jail pending further court proceedings.
Respectfully,
Sgt William Goodwin
Detective Bureau
