Crime
SUNY Potsdam student Emily Smith dies after being struck by car
POTSDAM, N.Y. — Authorities have arrested an 18-year-old suspect following a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a SUNY Potsdam student early Saturday morning.
According to the Potsdam Police Department, officers responded at approximately 3:37 a.m. on May 16, 2026, to the area of Pierrepont Avenue for reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle.
The victim was identified as 20-year-old Emily Mae Smith of Greenville, New York. Authorities said Smith was transported to Canton-Potsdam Hospital, where she later died from injuries sustained in the collision.
Police said the driver fled the scene immediately after the crash.
During the investigation, officers developed information identifying the suspect vehicle as an older-model black Cadillac Escalade with front-end damage.
At approximately 7:25 a.m., authorities located the suspect vehicle traveling on U.S. Route 11 east of the Village of Potsdam. Police identified the driver as 18-year-old Jakob D. Krise of Brasher Falls, New York.
Officials said Krise was taken into custody without incident.
Authorities charged Krise with:
- Leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash resulting in death
- Zero Tolerance Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
- Driving across hazard markings
Police said Krise was arraigned in Town of Pierrepont Court and later released under probation supervision. He is scheduled to appear in Potsdam Town Court on May 20, 2026.
Investigators noted that the case remains active and additional charges could still be filed.
The Potsdam Police Department was assisted during the investigation by the New York State Police, SUNY Potsdam Police, and the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office.
University officials later confirmed that Emily Smith was a sophomore business administration major and a member of the SUNY Potsdam Bears women’s basketball team.
In a statement released with permission from her family, the university described Smith as a transfer student who had already made a major impact on campus during her first year. Officials said she excelled academically, earning Dean’s List recognition, while also building strong friendships and mentorships within the campus community.
University officials said Smith was with teammates and friends at the time of the incident, and many classmates, coaches, supporters, and family members gathered at the hospital following the tragedy.
To honor her memory, SUNY Potsdam designated the Jerry Welsh Gymnasium as a memorial space where students, faculty, staff, and community members can leave flowers, personal items, and messages in tribute to Smith.
The university also announced that counseling services and support sessions are being made available for students, faculty, and staff as the campus community mourns the devastating loss.
Authorities are continuing to ask anyone with information related to the fatal hit-and-run crash to contact the Potsdam Police Department at (315) 265-2121.
Crime
Albuquerque Mother Elaina Gomez-Villeda Charged With Murder After 10-Year-Old Son Fatally Shoots 16-Year-Old Keinerlein Rangel
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A 40-year-old Albuquerque woman is facing multiple criminal charges after police say her 10-year-old son fatally shot a 16-year-old during a dispute between neighbors over loud music at an apartment complex.
The victim was identified by investigators as Keinerlein Rangel, 16. Rangel was initially reported to be 17 years old, but authorities later corrected the victim’s age to 16.
According to the Albuquerque Police Department, the incident happened Saturday during a confrontation between neighbors at an apartment complex.
Investigators say the dispute began over loud music and escalated into a physical altercation involving Elaina Gomez-Villeda, 40.
Police allege that during the confrontation, Gomez-Villeda instructed her 10-year-old son to retrieve her handgun.
The child allegedly obtained the firearm and fired one shot, striking Rangel.
The teenager suffered fatal injuries.
Following the shooting, Gomez-Villeda was arrested and is facing an open count of murder, conspiracy, child abuse, and making a firearm accessible to a minor, along with other alleged offenses.
Authorities say the 10-year-old child has not been charged as of the latest update. Because of his age, detectives are consulting with the District Attorney’s Office and state authorities to determine the appropriate next steps in the case.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deadly confrontation, including the events leading up to the shooting and the child’s involvement.