BY JIMMY LAWTON
North Country This Week

CANTON — Accused murderer Michael Snow is set to go to trial on Aug. 21, according to St. Lawrence County Court Officials.

Snow is accused of fatally shooting Elizabeth Howell on Feb. 18 near SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music.

Howell, a SUNY Potsdam student at the time, performed with the Crane Symphony Orchestra and the Crane Chamber Orchestra. She was a cellist who was working toward her goal of being a music educator.

Snow was arraigned in St. Lawrence County Court on April 22, 2022. He pleaded not guilty to all charges, but faces life in prison if found guilty.

Snow was held following the arraignment after District Attorney Gary Pasqua cited the "random act of violence," as well as the use of a firearm as two primary concerns for remanding Snow.

He detailed further how Snow's father lawfully owns multiple long guns, as well as hand guns, which could pose a substantial risk to public safety if Snow were to be released.

He remains incarcerated at the St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility on no bail.

Following concerns raised by both prosecution and defense attorneys, Judge Greg Storie recused himself from the case.

In court documents obtained by North Country This Week, Storie said “counsel has questioned my impartiality in this matter.”

According to the documents, Storie had the option to decline to disclose his reasoning for recusal but chose to not exercise the right. However, his office did not wish to provide further comment on the matter.

County Court Judge Craig P. Carriero is will oversee the trial instead.

In February of this year, Snow requested to drop his attorney in favor of representing himself throughout the trial.

Judge Carriero granted the request.

In a quick turnaround, Snow changed his mind and will now have formal attorney representation again through the Public Defender’s Office.