Police Release More On Killing Of SUNY Student From Hudson Valley

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has joined the New York State Police, Potsdam Police Department, University Police Department at SUNY Potsdam and Saint Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the death of Elizabeth Howell of Patterson, New York, who was shot Feb. 18 on her way home from class at the upstate college.

Police arrested a man the next day, Michael Snow, 31, of Massena, NY. He is charged with one count of second-degree murder. He was arraigned in Potsdam Town Court and sent to St. Lawrence County Jail, with no bail.

On the 18th, New York State police said, Snow was observed driving a gray Honda Civic bearing NY registration KVE2731 (see photo above). The vehicle has damage to the driver’s side door.

Police said the vehicle passed through Potsdam, Hopkinton, Malone, Westville, Hogansburg and Massena between 5 p.m and 8:30 p.m. that day. Anyone who may have seen Snow and the vehicle during these times is asked to contact the New York State Police Troop B Communications at (518) 873-2750.

Howell, who was majoring in music education, was a cellist with the university's Crane Symphony Orchestra. The 21-year-old was expected to graduate this year. College officials designated the Hosmer Gallery in the lobby of the Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall at The Crane School of Music as a memorial space for members of the campus community.

The college plans a vigil and memorial concert in honor of the Brewster High School graduate.