ALBANY, NY — 33-Year-Old Man Charged with Murder in Fatal Stabbing of Daval Byrams
A 33-year-old Albany man has been charged in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred on the evening of Saturday, July 26, 2025, in the area of Ontario Street near Third Street, marking another tragic act of violence in the city.
According to the Albany Police Department, the incident came to light around 10:05 p.m. when staff at Albany Memorial Hospital contacted authorities after a 23-year-old man, now identified as Daval Byrams, entered the emergency room with a severe stab wound to his neck. Despite immediate and extensive efforts by medical personnel, Byrams succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
Upon notification from hospital staff, officers quickly responded and launched an investigation. Detectives determined that Byrams had been involved in a physical altercation with an individual known to him in the vicinity of Ontario Street and Third Street. During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly stabbed Byrams in the neck with a knife before fleeing the scene on foot.
Through witness interviews, evidence collection, and surveillance footage, detectives swiftly identified Kyle Crayon, 33, of Albany, as the individual responsible for the deadly attack. Crayon was located and taken into custody without incident a short time later in the area of Ontario Street and Elk Street.
He has since been charged with one count of Murder in the Second Degree, a felony offense under New York State law. Crayon is scheduled to be arraigned in Albany City Criminal Court on Sunday morning.
In a brief statement, Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins praised the swift work of responding officers and detectives, while also expressing condolences to the victim’s family.
“This was a tragic and senseless loss of life,” Chief Hawkins said. “The Albany Police Department is committed to holding individuals accountable for acts of violence in our community. We will continue working tirelessly to ensure that justice is served for the victim and his loved ones.”
The victim, Daval Byrams, was a 23-year-old Albany resident known by friends and family for his friendly nature and strong ties to the local community. Social media was quickly flooded with posts honoring Byrams’ memory, with friends describing him as “genuine,” “respectful,” and “always smiling.” Many expressed heartbreak over his sudden and violent death, and several have called for an end to interpersonal violence within Albany’s neighborhoods.
“This one really hurts,” said one friend on Facebook. “Daval was just starting to figure out his life, trying to move forward. He didn’t deserve to go out like this.”
The homicide has reignited community concerns about public safety, particularly regarding disputes that escalate into deadly violence. While the stabbing appears to be an isolated incident and not a random attack, local leaders and residents are emphasizing the importance of de-escalation strategies and conflict resolution initiatives, especially among young adults.
Albany City Council member Sonia Frederick released a statement Sunday urging unity and community action. “The death of Daval Byrams is a painful reminder of how fragile life is. We must work together—residents, officials, and organizations—to build a safer Albany for everyone,” she said.
The Albany Police Department is continuing its investigation and has asked anyone with additional information or who may have witnessed the altercation to contact the Albany Police Detective Division at (518) 462-8039. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through Capital Region Crime Stoppers.
As the case proceeds through the courts, the Byrams family is preparing to lay their loved one to rest. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, the Albany community grieves the loss of another young life—one taken too soon, leaving behind unanswered questions, aching hearts, and a city once again searching for peace amid the pain.