The mysterious disappearance of a man from a homeless encampment in Ithaca, New York, has taken a grim turn, with the case now being treated as a kidnapping and murder investigation.
The victim, identified as 33-year-old Thomas Rath, vanished from "The Jungle," a makeshift settlement behind a Lowe's store, on May 20.
According to law enforcement, Rath was "forcibly abducted" by several individuals, sparking a widespread search involving numerous officers from different jurisdictions across multiple counties. The investigation involved "a significant amount" of interviews with residents of "The Jungle" and the execution of over 40 search warrants. Rath's remains were eventually discovered in a shallow grave in a neighboring county on August 3.
Maj. Jeffrey VanAuken, New York State Police Troop C commander, revealed the chilling details during a press conference on Monday. "As the missing persons case evolved, it revealed a particularly disturbing and a heinous series of events that ultimately revealed the kidnapping and murder of Mr. Rath," he said.
Monday marked the 100th day since Rath's abduction. Ten individuals have been apprehended in connection with his kidnapping and death, with "more arrests pending," according to NYSP Capt. Lucas Anthony. Among those in custody, Angelo Baez, 48, and Jonathan Glennon, 31, face the most serious charges of second-degree murder.
The other suspects, ranging in age from 27 to 52, are each charged with first-degree kidnapping. These include Colleen E. Dillon, Zayne G. Burlingame, Mark F. Beatty, Robert W. Hines, Neraida A. Sobrado-Torres, Jack J. Benjamin Jr., Brelynn B. Vorrasi, and Justin M. Knapp.
Capt. Anthony revealed that Rath was "familiar" with some of his alleged abductors. However, he declined to discuss a potential motive for the murder, stating that this would be "addressed during court proceedings." He did confirm that the crime was "not a random act," adding, "I wouldn't go as far as saying it was an orchestrated event, but it was an ongoing event from start to finish."
While the investigation continues, with further arrests anticipated, authorities are mindful of the human tragedy at the heart of the case. "Mr. Rath was the victim to us in law enforcement, but to his family, he was a father, a brother, a son," Anthony said. The case will be prosecuted in Tioga County, New York, where the alleged murder took place.
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