State police asks public to help trace movements of SUNY Potsdam murder suspect

The victim was identified as 21-year-old Elizabeth Howell from Patterson. Officials say Howell was killed close to the University’s Crane School of Music faculty parking Lot.

Michael Snow, 31, of Massena, has been charged with her murder and is currently being held without bail.

State police are asking for help to determine where snow was on Friday, Feb. 18. They say he was observed driving a Honda Civic with the license plate KVE2731 during the day.

According to state police:

“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.”

Howell’s high school community in Brewster is mourning her untimely death. Brewster teachers are taking to Facebook to give condolences saying:

"We are deeply saddened by the news that a former student of ours, Elizabeth "Beth" Howell was tragically killed on Friday night in Potsdam. She was a 2018 graduate. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and all who had the privilege to each, coach and know her."

SUNY Potsdam says classes are canceled to give the campus time to mourn and process the traumatic event.

Police say Howell was a senior on track to graduate. She studied music education and was on the university's annual "honor's list.” She was also an accomplished cellist who performed with the Crane Symphony Orchestra.

SUNY Potsdam says an open musical reading session will be held Wednesday night to give students and faculty at the Crane School of Music a chance to express their grief through music. The school says they will work with the Howell Family to plan a full memorial concert and other memorial events later in the semester.