Snow sentenced to 22 years to life in prison for Potsdam murder; Howell offered kindness in her final moments

In the courtroom Howell was described as a helper who cared for other people. She fought for her peers and worked to save other lives as a lifeguard for a time, according to her family.

She worked to bring good into the world and her killing tore a hole in her family and communities that can never fully heal.

She was a SUNY Potsdam student when she was killed and had performed with the Crane Symphony Orchestra and the Crane Chamber Orchestra.

She was a cellist and regarded as a “star” student who was working toward her goal of being a music educator.

Snow took that dream away from her and robbed future generations of a teacher who would likely have touched many lives during her career.

That reality was expressed in an impact statement her family submitted to be read by District Attorney Gary Pasqua at Snow’s sentencing on Friday.

Snow’s killing of Howell took more than her life.

“He took our lives as we know them,” her family said in the statement.

Her family said that while Snow will be in prison for at least 22 years, those who knew and loved Howell will remain in a prison of grief for the rest of their lives.

In the impact they talked about the loss.

How they will wait for her to walk through a door she’ll never open.

How  their holidays and family gatherings would be changed.

How they will not get to see her achieve her dream of spreading her love of music to others or get to see her graduate college.

Her parents, who are also musicians, won’t be able to enjoy songs they once cherished with their daughter.

They will never get to hold her again.

Howell, though, will not be forgotten.

Her legacy as a musician and goal of becoming an educator will live on through scholarships established in her name.

St. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary Pasqua did not mince words at the sentencing.

He said that when Snow is up for parole two decades from now, whether he is a private citizen or a district attorney, he will do his best to convince the parole board that Snow should remain incarcerated for the rest of his life.

Pasqua revealed previously undisclosed details about Snow’s plan to kill someone, which began more than two years prior.

He said Snow twice attempted to purchase an AR 15 rifle, but had been denied. Snow was angry over the loss of a family member as well as co-workers whom he believed were at fault for him losing his job.

Pasqua said he stalked the co-workers and had plans to take revenge on them and when they became aware of his plans he changed his course of action.

He would instead take revenge on their employer SUNY Potsdam. His plan was then to hurt their reputation with an act of violence.

On Feb. 18, 2022, he put that plan into action.

His plan to kill someone was not spontaneous, according to Pasqua.

Although the murder was planned, the victim was chosen at random.

She was simply walking home, when Snow beckoned her over to his vehicle under the guise of needing directions and shot her three times, Pasqua said.

Snow, himself, described Howell as “helpful” and “pleasant,” in the moments before he shot her, according to Pasqua.

He says Snow has failed to show remorse for his actions.

Snow also spoke at sentencing. He said he regretted his actions and offered an apology to the family, but those in attendance did not appear convinced by or concerned with his statement.

They weren’t alone.

Judge Craig P. Carriero agreed that Snow should remain behind bars for the rest of his life.

“All Beth was trying to do was help you with directions. And you killed her,” he said.

Carriero did not know Howell.

However, he was still touched by her as he read through the impact statements. He said that he believed she would have been the kind of teacher who would help talented musicians flourish while also ensuring those without such natural gifts could be drawn into and touched by music.

He said that in two decades on the bench, Snow’s case was the worst.

“The killing of Beth Howell was cold, random and senseless,” he said.

He said that the record of the court will show that his actions were “evil.”

In a brief press conference following the sentencing, Pasqua and his team and members of local law enforcement discussed the sentencing.

Pasqua said that quick action by multiple law enforcement agencies allowed his team to build a strong case against Snow and led to the plea that could keep Snow behind bars for life.

Pasqua was clear though, that even if Snow remains imprisoned, it will never bring peace to those who knew and loved Howell.

In an email sent to the SUNY Potsdam community President Suzanne Smith said grieving services were being offered and invited those looking to reflect and remember Howell to visit Cassie's Harp, a memorial space dedicated to all SUNY Potsdam students "who have been lost too soon."

"Our hearts are with Beth’s family and friends, and with all members of our community who have been affected by her tragic loss—today and always.

For all who knew and loved Beth, there are no adequate words of solace or comfort, even as her murderer is sentenced. A talented Crane School of Music student, Beth was a gifted cellist and an aspiring music teacher who was beloved by all who knew her. She was set to graduate with honors in May 2022.

As her family wrote, Beth “knew what she wanted out of life, and went for it without hesitation.” Following her death, SUNY Potsdam posthumously awarded her degree and presented it to her family in her stead at Commencement, alongside her classmates," she wrote.