(Binghamton, NY) – District Attorney Michael Korchak has announced Broome County Court sentenced Kyle C. Babola, 34, of Johnson City, to 20 years to life in a New York State prison on a plea of guilty in this January to Murder in the Second Degree in the death of Scott Groover, 55, on December 31, 2021, in the Village of Johnson City.
On New Year’s Eve 2021, Johnson City police responded to an incident at 330 Floral Avenue in the Village, where they found Groover critically injured inside that residence. He was rushed to UHS Wilson Hospital but died from his injuries. Groover was killed by Babola, who struck him, multiple times with a machete during a dispute.
“This was just an inexplicable act of violence. Our thoughts are with the family of Mr. Groover and hope that by avoiding a trial in this case, there can be some sense of closure for them. Though Babola has no prior criminal history, it is the recommendation of Broome County District Attorney’s Office to New York State Parole that he never be released,” said Michael A. Korchak, Broome County District Attorney.
Thanks to the Johnson City Police Department, the Broome County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Police for their investigation and to Assistant District Attorney Stephen Flynn for his work on this case.
