Friday night’s fatal shooting at a New York college student resulted in a man being charged with second-degree killing.
According to New York State Police, Elizabeth Howell (21), was found on the side of a road with bullet wounds. She was located near the State University of New York Potsdam campus. The shooter was initially told students to hide in place. They were then instructed to go home and lock their doors while police searched for him.
Michael Snow, 31, was taken into custody Saturday. He was arraigned. It is not known if he retained an attorney.
According to university administrators, Snow did not appear to be affiliated with the school.
The school released a statement saying that it would like to ask everyone to remember Beth and her loved ones. “The entire SUNY Potsdam Community mourns her loss and stands together in unity to commemorate her.”
Howell was a member the class of 2022. She was also a music education student and cellist with the university’s Crane Symphony Orchestra. The motive for her death has not been revealed by police, and it remains to be determined if she knew Snow.
Classes were cancelled Monday and counselors were available at the student union throughout the weekend.
The school stated that the Hosmer Gallery was designated in the lobby of The Helen M. Hosmer Convention Hall at The Crane School of Music to be a memorial space for campus members. “All are welcome to send flowers and other tributes to Beth, or to sign a memorial plaque in her honor.”
