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Newfield man convicted of kidnapping, murder of Ithaca resident
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Newfield man convicted of kidnapping, murder of Ithaca resident

A Newfield man faces life in prison after being convicted of murder and kidnapping in Tioga County Court. Joseph Howell, 38, was found guilty 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 .

DiSanto Propane (Billboard)DiSanto Propane (Billboard)

Authorities reported that Rath was removed from the Ithaca homeless encampment known as “the jungle” in May 2023. His remains were later discovered in a shallow grave in Candor in August. New York State Police led a months-long investigation that ultimately resulted in the arrest of 13 people connected to Rath’s disappearance and death.

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