New York State Police arrest Norwich man in connection with deadly April crash that killed Oxford resident

Norwich, New York – A Norwich resident is facing multiple felony charges following a deadly crash that occurred in Oxford earlier this year. The arrest follows an in-depth investigation by New York State Police and a grand jury indictment handed down in Chenango County.

On July 1, 2025, State Police at Norwich arrested 52-year-old Lawrence S. Slater, charging him in connection with the fatal head-on collision that took place on April 12, 2025. The crash resulted in the death of 62-year-old Steven C. Biviano, a resident of Oxford, New York.

The tragic collision happened around 9:11 p.m. on State Highway 12, just south of County Road 4 in the town of Oxford. A trooper from SP Norwich came upon the scene shortly after the incident occurred and found the aftermath of a violent two-vehicle crash. Emergency responders pronounced Biviano dead at the scene.

Read also: Governor Hochul officially begins statewide initiative offering free community college education for adults pursuing high-demand careers in New York

According to the investigation, Slater was driving a Dodge Caravan northbound on State Highway 12 when he crossed into the oncoming lane of traffic and struck a Chevrolet Equinox, which was being driven by Biviano. The impact of the crash was severe and proved fatal.

Authorities determined that Slater was impaired at the time of the crash. A toxicology report later revealed that Slater had a blood alcohol content of .18%, which is more than twice the legal limit in New York State. Investigators also discovered that Slater had a previous DWI conviction within the past 10 years.

Following the findings, a Chenango County Grand Jury indicted Slater on several serious charges. He now faces the following felony counts:

• Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (Class B felony)
• Manslaughter (Class C felony)
• Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree (Class C felony)
• Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class D felony)
• Driving While Intoxicated with a Previous Conviction (Class E felony)
• Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (Class E felony)

Slater was arraigned in Chenango County Supreme Court and is currently being held in the Chenango County Jail. Bail was set at $25,000 cash, 10% of an $85,000 partially secured bond, or a $50,000 bond.

Read also: Supervisor Bill Reilich welcomes families and residents to gather for the return of the Town of Greece Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration

“Slater was traveling north on State Highway 12 in a Dodge Caravan when he crossed into on-coming traffic and struck the Chevy Equinox that Biviano was operating.”

The fatal crash sent shockwaves through the small community of Oxford, where residents continue to mourn the loss of Biviano. The charges now filed against Slater mark a step toward accountability in a case that underscores the deadly consequences of impaired driving.

The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet announced any future court dates.