A fatal stabbing occurred in Saratoga Springs early Tuesday morning on West Avenue, resulting in the death of John “Clay” Williamson and the arrest of Kyle Baker. The altercation, believed to have stemmed from a $100 debt, left Williamson with a knife wound; he succumbed to his injuries later that day. Both Baker, 52, charged with murder with intent, and Williamson, 44, were identified as homeless individuals living in a wooded area near the incident.
According to reports, Williamson had previously stayed at the Adelphi Street homeless shelter, while Baker was not known to local sheltering organizations like RISE. Police secured the wooded area near Station Lane for evidence collection. City officials were previously unaware of this specific encampment on private property, a common issue as homeless situations can be transient.
While a no-camping ordinance prohibits camping on city property, Baker and Williamson were reportedly on private land. The city’s code enforcement handles visible encampments, contacting property owners. Williamson’s death underscores the vulnerability faced by the homeless population, highlighting the challenges and complexities surrounding homelessness in our community.