OWEGO, N.Y. (WENY) -- A Newfield man was found guilty in Tioga County, N.Y. Court on charges related to the abduction and murder of a man from Ithaca in 2023.

Joseph Howell, 38, was initially charged over the disappearance of Thomas Rath in October of 2023. He was found guilty of Murder in the first Degree, Kidnapping in the first Degree and three counts of Intimidating a Witness, after a jury trial.

According to New York State Police, Rath was abducted from the Ithaca homeless encampment known as "the jungle" in May of 2023. Rath's remains were discovered buried in a shallow grave in Candor in August of that year.

Howell is facing life in prison without the possibility of parole for the crimes. Sentencing is scheduled for January 13, 2025.

After a monthslong investigation into the incident, police arrested and charged 13 people over Rath's disappearance and murder.