Newfield man convicted of kidnapping, killing Ithaca resident

A Newfield man faces life in prison after being found guilty of murder and kidnapping charges in Tioga County Court. Joseph Howell, 38, was convicted Friday of the 2023 kidnapping and murder of Ithaca resident Thomas Rath. Howell’s charges include first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping and three counts of witness intimidation.

Rath was taken from an Ithaca homeless camp known as “the jungle” in May 2023, authorities said. His remains were later found in a shallow grave in Candor in August. New York State Police led the months-long investigation, ultimately resulting in the arrest of 13 people connected to Rath’s disappearance and death.

Howell, who now faces life in prison without the possibility of parole, is scheduled to be sentenced on January 13, 2025.

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