POTSDAM – A 22-year-old SUNY Potsdam student from Patterson, who
was scheduled to graduate this year, was shot and killed near the campus late Friday afternoon, State Police said.
Police found the body of Elizabeth Howell of Putnam County on College Park Road in the Village of Potsdam.
Following an investigation, police arrested Michael Snow, 31, of Massena and charged him with murder.
Police said while the investigation is ongoing, it appears the shooting was an isolated incident.
“Beth was a cellist who performed with the Crane Symphony Orchestra and she was an aspiring educator with a bright future ahead of her. No words can express the sadness we share as a campus community following this tragic loss,” the college posted on Twitter.
Police, who continue to investigate the murder, said Snow was seen driving a gray Honda Civic with license plates KVE731. The car has damage to the driver’s side door.
The investigation determined the vehicle passed through Potsdam, Hopkinton, Malone, Westville, Hogansburg, and Massena between 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Friday, February 18.
Anyone who may have seen Snow and the vehicle during those times is asked to call the State Police Troop B Communications at 518-873-2750.
Law enforcement investigating the homicide include State Police, Potsdam Police, University Police Department at SUNY Potsdam, Saint Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and the US Department of Homeland Security.
