Police: Hogansburg Man Was Shot Before Fire Was Set

The 44 year old Hogansburg man who was found dead in his fire-ravaged home last week had been shot. That’s according to an investigator with the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police.

According to Detective Sergeant Matthew Rourke, the blaze was apparently started to cover up the homicide.

He said the victim, Thomas Hathaway, had been shot prior to the fire.

Last Wednesday, Corporal Alex Jock of the Mohawk Tribal Police was on patrol when he noticed flames coming from the house on Helena North Road in Hogansburg at about 3 a.m.

He notified firefighters.

Hathaway’s body was later discovered in the remains of his home.

Rourke said he was unsure if the homicide took place at Hathaway’s house or if the victim had been shot elsewhere and brought to the home.

“We’re running down leads and we have a few people in mind,” said Rourke when asked about suspects in the case.

Police are awaiting the results of toxicology tests.

Hathaway had previous run-ins with the law.

In 2006, he was convicted of driving while intoxicated and aggravated unlicensed operation.

In 1998, Hathaway received a conditional release after being charged with criminal possession of marijuana.

Police want information about Hathaway’s whereabouts before the homicide.

If you know anything, call Tribal Police at (518) 358-9200.

See John Friot’s report:

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