CANTON -- The Massena man accused of murdering a SUNY Potsdam student is now facing at least 22 years in prison after entering a plea of guilty to second-degree murder.
St. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary Pasqua made the announcement this morning that Michael J. Snow, 32, entered the plea in regards to the death of Elizabeth Howell in Potsdam, on Feb. 18, 2022.
Judge Craig P. Carriero committed to sentence the defendant to an indeterminate term of imprisonment with the NYS Department of Corrections with a minimum of 22 years and a maximum of lifetime imprisonment.
Sentencing will be held on July 28 at 9:15 a.m.
Snow was set for trail Aug. 21, according to St. Lawrence County court officials.
He was accused of fatally shooting Howell 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 at that time. He 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.
