POTSDAM, N.Y. (AP) — A music education student at the State University of New York in Potsdam campus died from gunshot wounds in what was described as an isolated incident, authorities said Saturday.
New York State Police charged Michael J. Snow, 31, of Massena with one count of second-degree murder. He was arraigned in the town of Potsdam court and remanded to St. Lawrence County Jail with no bail, police said. It was unclear whether he had an attorney who could comment.
State Police say they have reports that Snow was driving a gray Honda Civic with New York plates KVE 2731.
Specifically, the car was allegedly seen passing through Potsdam, Hopkinton, Malone, Westville, Hogansburg and Massena between 5 and 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 18.
State Police are asking anyone who may have seen Snow driving this car during that time period to contact them.
Potsdam police responded to a report of an unconscious woman shortly before 6 p.m. Friday when they found 21-year-old Elizabeth Howell of Patterson, N.Y., lying with gunshot wounds on the side of College Park Road in the village.
She was pronounced dead about an hour later after she was taken to Canton Potsdam Hospital, authorities said.
In a news release Saturday, SUNY Potsdam said it was “deeply saddened” to share that the victim of the shooting was a student in the Class of 2022 at the school’s Crane School of Music and performed with the Crane Symphony Orchestra as a cellist. The school’s website calls the music school “one of the best public music programs in the country.”
“We mourn Beth’s loss as one campus community, and hold her family, friends, and loved ones in our hearts at this difficult time,” it said.
Earlier Saturday, the school had warned people in St. Lawrence County and neighboring Franklin County “to be vigilant, as there may still be an active threat to the community. Lock your doors, and report any suspicious activity.”
But a later news release copied language from the State Police report, saying “the preliminary investigation has determined that this appears to be an isolated incident.”
The school says the Hosmer Gallery in the lobby of the Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall at The Crane School of Music has been designated as a memorial space for members of the campus community, with guests welcome to leave flowers or other items in Howell's memory. A vigil and memorial concert are also being planned.
Classes will be canceled on Monday, Feb. 21 and some previously scheduled campus activities have also been canceled or will be rescheduled. Counseling Center staff are also efforting trauma support groups.
State police said they were asked to lead the investigation. The investigation was being assisted by the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office, the University Police Department at SUNY Potsdam, and federal Homeland Security Investigations.