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Jakob Krise Facing DWI and Multiple Charges After Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash That Killed SUNY Potsdam Student Emily Smith

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Jakob Krise Facing DWI and Multiple Charges After Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash That Killed SUNY Potsdam Student Emily Smith
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POTSDAM, N.Y. — An 18-year-old New York man is facing multiple criminal charges, including driving while intoxicated, 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 after receiving reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle.

Authorities identified the victim as 20-year-old Emily Mae Smith of Greenville, New York. Smith, a student at SUNY Potsdam, was transported to Canton-Potsdam Hospital, where she later died from injuries sustained in the crash.

Emily Smith, SUNY Potsdam Student and Women’s Basketball Player, Killed in Potsdam Hit-and-Run Crash; Suspect Jakob Krise Arrested Pierrepont Avenue St. Lawrence County

Investigators said the driver fled the scene immediately following the collision, prompting a large-scale investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.

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.

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Officials said Krise was taken into custody without incident.

Authorities have 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 before being 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 that additional charges could still be filed as the investigation continues.

The Potsdam Police Department was assisted in 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 majoring in business administration and a member of the SUNY Potsdam Bears women’s basketball team.

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In a statement released with permission from her family, SUNY Potsdam described Smith as a dedicated student-athlete who had already made a meaningful impact on campus during her first year at the university. Officials said she earned Dean’s List honors while building close friendships and strong relationships with classmates, coaches, and mentors.

University officials stated that Smith was with teammates and friends at the time of the crash, and many students, family members, coaches, and supporters gathered at the hospital following the tragedy.

To honor Smith’s memory, SUNY Potsdam designated the Jerry Welsh Gymnasium as a memorial space where members of the campus community can leave flowers, messages, and other tributes.

The university also announced that counseling and mental health support services are being made available to students, faculty, and staff grieving the loss.

Authorities continue to ask anyone with information related to the fatal hit-and-run crash to contact the Potsdam Police Department at (315) 265-2121.

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Crime

Matthew S. Stone Identified as Suspect in Erie Mass Shooting That Left Nine Dead

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Matthew S. Stone Reportedly Identified as Suspect in Erie Mass Shooting That Left Nine Dead 722 Perry Street
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ERIE, Pa. — Matthew S. Stone, also known as Matt Stone, has reportedly been identified as the suspected gunman in a deadly mass shooting at a residence on Perry Street in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday, October 9, 2026.

The shooting reportedly claimed nine lives, including those of his daughter, Angelina Stone, and her two young children, according to information shared by family members and other reports.

Authorities responded to a residence at 722 Perry Street at approximately 5 p.m. after receiving emergency calls reporting gunfire.

The incident developed into an hours-long standoff before officers entered the home and found multiple victims.

The suspected shooter was also found dead inside the residence, reportedly from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

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The reported identification of Matthew S. Stone as the suspect has added another painful dimension to a tragedy that has devastated relatives, friends and the wider Erie community. However, the suspect’s identity and the reported family relationships should be treated as unconfirmed unless officially verified by law enforcement.

Angelina Stone, 24, her 5-year-old son, Isiah Hodges, and her nearly 2-year-old daughter, Amari’anna, have reportedly been identified among those killed in the shooting.

Angelina Stone, 24, her 5-year-old son, Isiah Hodges, and her nearly 2-year-old daughter, Amari’anna, have reportedly been identified among those killed in the shooting.

Family-shared information and a fundraising appeal described Angelina as pregnant and expecting a baby boy named Kyrie in the coming weeks. The reported deaths of Angelina and her children have left relatives and friends grieving the loss of a young mother and the children whose lives were cut short.

Information shared by family members reportedly identified Matthew S. Stone as Angelina’s father and the person responsible for killing her and her children. However, the information available for this report does not establish that police have officially confirmed the suspect’s identity, the family relationships or the allegations surrounding the deaths.

Lora Roberts, a mother of five and volunteer advocate for people experiencing homelessness, has also reportedly been identified as a victim.

Lora Roberts, a mother of five and volunteer advocate for people experiencing homelessness, has also reportedly been identified as a victim.

Roberts was known for her community service and was reportedly a former member of the board of directors of Community of Caring, an Erie nonprofit that provides food and shelter to people in need.

According to information shared about the incident, Roberts was reportedly attempting to help a family member escape when she was shot. Her reported death has left five children without their mother and loved ones mourning a woman remembered for her compassion and willingness to help others.

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April Miles Pineiro shared a heartfelt tribute remembering Jonathan and Matthew Stone as close childhood friends who helped make her early years unforgettable.

Pineiro recalled meeting the brothers when they were children and quickly becoming part of a close group of neighborhood friends. They spent hours playing outdoors, including hide-and-seek games in which the boys sometimes wore a clown mask to scare their friends.

She remembered how the children continued spending time together through cold and snowy weather and how they walked to the school bus stop together when they learned they would attend the same school.

Pineiro also recalled Jonathan’s childhood crush on her and a memorable visit to a park when playful horseplay on a slide ended with both brothers falling. She described these memories with affection, emphasizing the lasting bond they shared.

In her tribute, Pineiro expressed heartbreak over the reported deaths and promised to cherish their memories.

“I’ll love you ALWAYS AND FOREVER Matthew and Jonathan,” she wrote.

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Her words reflected the depth of the friendships and the profound grief being felt by those who knew the brothers.

According to reports, witnesses told investigators that a man fired a handgun outside the residence before entering the home. Two women were initially found dead in the street.

Erie police officers and the department’s SWAT team surrounded the property and attempted to persuade the man inside to surrender. Additional gunshots were reportedly heard while officers remained outside.

Police eventually entered the residence and discovered additional victims in different areas of the home, including children. The suspected shooter was found dead inside, reportedly with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Authorities said there was no continuing threat to the public after the situation was contained.

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Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah described the incident as devastating and deeply disturbing for the officers and investigators involved.

“The loss of life is devastating, and the circumstances we are working through are deeply disturbing,” Lorah said.

Mayor Daria Devlin also expressed condolences to the victims’ families and everyone affected by the tragedy, calling it a terrible loss for the community.

The Erie County Coroner’s Office and police investigators remained at the scene late Friday to document evidence and establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Counseling was reportedly being made available to responding officers following the traumatic incident.

The reported deaths of Angelina Stone, her children, Lora Roberts and other victims have left families and friends facing an unimaginable loss.

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Community members continue to share tributes, remembering the victims through stories of childhood friendships, family bonds and efforts to help others.

Authorities are working to establish the full sequence of events and confirm the identities and relationships of those involved. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional official information may clarify the reported identity of the suspected shooter and the circumstances leading to the deadly incident.


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