GoFundMe Surpasses $16,000 for Funeral of Peter Bennedum After Downtown Assault

 A GoFundMe campaign has raised $16,745 as of Friday for the funeral and memorial costs of Peter Bennedum, the 45-year-old homeless man who succumbed to injuries sustained in a brutal attack in downtown Binghamton. The fundraiser, organized by his mother Dianne Galliher, reflects a community's grief and determination to ensure Bennedum is honored with dignity after a senseless act of violence that has shaken the Southern Tier.

Police say the attack occurred late Monday night near the intersection of Carroll and Henry streets in downtown. Officers responding found Bennedum unconscious on the sidewalk with injuries. Investigators say he had been punched and kicked repeatedly by a group of youths earlier that night in what authorities describe as a targeted assault motivated by his housing status.

Four teenage boys have been charged after police say they brutally attacked Bennedum. The juveniles, ages 14 and 15, have been charged with second-degree attempted murder and remanded to a secure detention facility pending further court proceedings. Police said five boys were identified through witness statements and surveillance footage, and a 13-year-old suspect was released to a guardian pending expected charges.

According to the GoFundMe created by his mother, the teens targeted Bennedum because he was homeless and intended to record the assault for social media. The claim has intensified public outrage across Broome County and renewed scrutiny of violent social media trends that exploit vulnerable people for views and notoriety, prompting calls for accountability from platforms and parents alike.

Family members say Bennedum was a kind man who struggled with homelessness but consistently tried to help others despite his own hardships. "Peter was a kind soul who, despite his struggles, always tried to help others. His life was cut short in a way no one should ever experience, and our hearts are broken," the GoFundMe description reads, capturing the family's devastation.

Galliher announced Friday that the family is moving forward with burial and funeral plans, noting that Peter would be removed from life support in the coming days. "We are moving forward with burial and funeral plans. Peter will be removed from life support in the next few days," she wrote, asking for continued prayers and support as they prepare to say goodbye and navigate unimaginable grief.

The attack has intensified calls in Binghamton for better protection and support for unhoused residents, with advocates pointing to the assault as evidence of growing vulnerability. Additional fundraisers have launched to provide emergency shelter, hygiene kits, and outreach services, and a candle lighting ceremony is planned for next week to honor Bennedum and raise awareness.

As the criminal case proceeds through juvenile court, the $16,745 raised so far offers the family some relief from financial burdens while underscoring broader community concern. City officials, faith leaders, and service providers say they are reviewing safety measures downtown. May Peter Bennedum be remembered not for the manner of his death but for his kindness, and may his loss prompt meaningful action to protect those living on Binghamton's streets.