Tragedy in Binghamton: Injured Receptionist Saved Lives

The terrible tragedy in Binghamton is heartbreaking and disturbing for so many reasons.  Thirteen people murdered in cold blood.  Many more injured.  Families bereft.  A city and natiion wondering why did this happen?  Was this rampage the unfathomable result of a deranged mind?  Are the country's economic woes triggering more violence? 

 

We're just beginning to hear what really happened in the Americn Civic Association building.  The stories are gruesome and horrifying.  Some are also astonishing reminders that even in the worst situations, people can do extraordinary things.  A 61-year-old receptionist Shirley DeLucia, played dead, then called 911 despite her injuries and stayed on the line while the gunman remained in the building.

 

“She alerted us to the situation taking place,” Binghamton Police Chief Joseph Zikuski said. “I feel that she saved lives.”

 

The receptionist stayed on the phone with police until she was rescued. She also told police she was shot and that an armed gunman, 41-year-old Jiverly Wong, was inside.

Without the receptionist calling, Zikuski said, the shooter might have continued his rampage. Officers arrived in less two minutes of receiving the call, but by that time, the shooting had ended, he said.

“We don’t know how long it took her before she felt safe enough to call,” Zikuski said. “We don’t know how long he was in there – two minutes, five minutes, we just don’t know. He had a lot of ammunition and could have still kept going.

DeLucia remains in critical condition . The chief said she and three other hospitalized victims are all expected to survive, and that police are in no hurry to question her.

 

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