Massena Man, Michael Snow Arrested but Reason for Murder-Shooting Still a Mystery
On Feb. 18, 21 year old SUNY Potsdam student Elizabeth Howell, a resident of Patterson NY, in Putnam County, was found dead from a shooting. Howell was a senior at Potsdam majoring in music.
Updates from the New York State police include:
The New York State Police, Potsdam Police Department, University Police Department at SUNY Potsdam, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Department of Homeland Security continue to investigate a homicide that occurred on February 18, 2022 in the village of Potsdam. The victim, Elizabeth Howell, 21, of Patterson, NY was found deceased on College Park Road. The suspect, Michael Snow, 31, of Massena, NY, is charged with one count of murder 2nd degree in connection with the homicide. On the date of the homicide, Snow was observed operating the below pictured vehicle, a gray Honda Civic bearing NY registration KVE2731. The vehicle has damage to the driver’s side door.The investigation has determined that the vehicle passed through Potsdam, Hopkinton, Malone, Westville, Hogansburg and Massena between 5:00 p.m and 8:30 p.m. on February 18. 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.
NYSP believed the shooting was an isolated incident,
Howell was studying to become a music teacher at the prestigious Crane School of Music at SUNY Postdam. The college posted, “We are in disbelief at the sudden loss of one of our own, Elizabeth Howell ’22, a music education student at our Crane School of Music. Our thoughts are with all of Beth’s friends and family during this difficult time.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.We have 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. All will be welcome to leave flowers or items in Beth’s memory.”
Howell was to graduate in May with honors. While rumors and Facebook posts have a number of possible stories as to why this incident happened, we will wait for the police investigation to continue. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Howell family.
A statement from SUNY Potsdam reads: “SUNY Potsdam can confirm that Mr. Snow has no affiliation with the College, either as a student, employee or graduate. Please hold Beth, along with her family and loved ones, in your thoughts and prayers this evening. The entire SUNY Potsdam community mourns her loss, and we stand together in unity to remember her.
We wish to thank all of the law enforcement agencies who have worked so hard on this investigation, including New York State Police, Potsdam Village Police, the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, SUNY Potsdam University Police, the District Attorney’s Office, and federal Homeland Security. A vigil and memorial concert in honor of Beth is being planned by the college. Classes were cancelled on Feb. 21.
