Update! - New York State Police Investigating Fatal House Fire and Homicide; Armed and Dangerous Suspect Sought

The New York State Police, announce that homicide suspect Thomas D. Ryan has been safely apprehended and is in police custody following an extensive, multi-day investigation and coordinated law enforcement operation.

Thomas was wanted in connection with the August 6, 2026, homicide of his father, Robert Ryan, 70, at his residence at 512 Greenville Turnpike in the Town of Greenville, Orange County.

The community’s assistance proved critical in bringing the search to a safe conclusion. On Saturday evening, August 8, the New York State Police, Troop G, received a tip reporting that the Toyota Prius had been located unoccupied in a parking lot at 199 State Route 990V in the Town of Gilboa, Schoharie County.

Upon confirming the vehicle was associated with the investigation, law enforcement resources were immediately deployed to the area. Members of New York State Police Troops G and F, along with New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police, and Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office conducted a coordinated search of the surrounding area.

Those efforts culminated in Thomas Ryan being located and safely taken into custody by the New York State Police Special Operations Response Team (SORT), at approximately 12:10 a.m. on Sunday, August 9, after another tip was provided by a vigilant community member. 

Thomas Ryan received medical treatment at the scene for injuries sustained prior to apprehension and was ultimately transported to a hospital, where he remains in stable condition. Ryan remains in the custody of the New York State Police and will be charged and arraigned when his medical condition permits.

Thomas’ apprehension concluded an intensive search that began following the discovery of Robert Ryan’s body on August 6. Investigators determined that Thomas Ryan did not reside with his father and had no other known current ties to the Greenville community at that time. Investigators further determined that Ryan had lived a transient lifestyle and had previously stayed at numerous shelters throughout New York City, Long Island, and northern New York.

The investigation has been led by the New York State Police Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Troop F BCI was assisted throughout the investigation by personnel from New York State Police Troops G, B, K, L, and NYC, providing additional investigative, operational, and tactical support.

The New York State Police also received significant assistance from the City of Middletown Police Department, City of Port Jervis Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York State Intelligence Center, Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center, Orange County District Attorney’s Office, New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police, Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office, New York Police Department, New York State Park Police, Orange County Fire Investigation Unit, Orange County Department of Emergency Services, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police and Forest Rangers, Drug Enforcement Administration, and numerous additional law enforcement partners.

The New York State Police thank the members of the public who remained vigilant and provided information throughout this investigation. 

The investigation remains ongoing. Additional information regarding Thomas’ apprehension and criminal charges will be released when appropriate.

New York State Police Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation Captain Brad Natalizio said, 

“This investigation demonstrates what can be accomplished when the community and law enforcement work together toward a common goal. The information provided by alert members of the public, combined with the relentless efforts of our investigators, Troopers, and law enforcement partners across multiple jurisdictions, allowed us to locate Thomas Ryan and bring this search to a safe conclusion. I am extremely proud of the professionalism, coordination, and determination demonstrated by everyone involved, and we are grateful to the public for their vigilance and continued support.”

Update August 8, 2026, 3:50 p.m.:

The New York State Police continue a coordinated investigation to safely locate and apprehend homicide suspect Thomas Ryan, who remains wanted in connection with the August 6, 2026, homicide in the Town of Greenville.

The victim has been identified as Thomas Ryan’s father, Robert Ryan, age 70, of 512 Greenville Turnpike. Thomas Ryan did not reside with his father at the time of the incident and has no other known current ties to the Greenville community.

Investigators have determined that Thomas has lived a transient lifestyle, staying at numerous shelters throughout New York State. Investigators have followed up on these locations and continue to immediately and thoroughly investigate all tips and reported sightings.

The investigation is being led by the New York State Police Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation, including specialized units of the Major Crimes Unit, Computer Crimes Unit, Forensic Identification Unit, Community Stabilization Unit, and undercover investigators assigned to the Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (VGNET). State Police are working alongside the City of Middletown Police Department, City of Port Jervis Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, NYPD, and the FBI. The New York State Intelligence Center, Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center, Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office and Orange County District Attorney’s Office are also assisting. 

Investigators continue to methodically pursue every lead and are conducting an extensive video canvass expanding outward from the crime scene to reconstruct Thomas’ movements. Residents should expect investigators to be conducting neighborhood canvasses and knocking on doors throughout the area this weekend.

Extra State Police patrols have been deployed to patrol the town of Greenville and surrounding communities. 

Residents of Greenville and surrounding communities are asked to review home or business surveillance footage recorded from approximately 6:00 p.m. on August 6 through the overnight hours and immediately report suspicious activity.

The preliminary investigation determined Ryan fled the area in the victim’s gray 2016 Toyota Prius, New York registration HNH-7671. Ryan is also known to travel by train, and investigators are coordinating with rail transportation partners.

Members of the public should remain vigilant and immediately report any sighting of Thomas or the vehicle. Do not approach or attempt to confront him.

The community’s assistance is critical. Even the smallest detail could provide investigators with information needed to safely locate Thomas and bring this investigation to a safe conclusion.

Anyone with information regarding Ryan’s whereabouts is urged not to approach him and to immediately contact New York State Police Troop F Communications at (845) 344-5300 or call 911. Tips can be emailed to FBCICrimeTips@troopers.ny.gov.

Update August 7, 2026, 3:40 p.m.:

The New York State Police is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Thomas Ryan, who is known to frequent the Plattsburgh area in Clinton County.

Ryan is wanted in connection with a homicide investigation in Orange County and is believed to be ARMED AND DANGEROUS.

Anyone with information regarding Ryan’s whereabouts is urged not to approach him and to immediately contact New York State Police Troop F Communications at (845) 344-5300 or call 911. Tips can be emailed to FBCICrimeTips@troopers.ny.gov.

The assistance of the community is critical, and even the smallest piece of information could prove invaluable in bringing this investigation to a safe resolution.

Update August 7, 2026, 11:00 a.m.:

The State Police is releasing the following statement from Captain Brad Natalizio, Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation, regarding the search for Thomas Ryan:

The New York State Police, Troop F BCI, in partnership with our local, county, and federal law enforcement partners, continue to actively investigate this homicide and are pursuing every available lead to locate Thomas Ryan. We are asking the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any sightings of Ryan or the victim’s gray 2016 Toyota Prius (New York registration HNH7671). Investigators have coordinated an extensive, multi-agency effort that includes neighboring police departments, crime analysis centers, transportation partners, and aviation resources to locate the suspect. Thomas Ryan should be considered armed and dangerous.

The New York State Police Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation is asking residents of the Greenville community to review any available home surveillance footage recorded from approximately 6:00 p.m. on August 6, 2026, through the overnight hours. Anyone who observes suspicious activity is urged to contact the New York State Police immediately. Even information that may seem insignificant could prove valuable to the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding Ryan’s whereabouts is urged not to approach him and to immediately contact the New York State Police Troop F Communications (845-344-5300) or call 911. The assistance of the community is critical, and even the smallest piece of information could prove invaluable in bringing this investigation to a safe resolution.

Original Press Release August 7, 2026, 8:31 a.m.:

On August 6, 2026, at about 7:30 p.m., State Police Greenville barracks responded to a reported structure fire at a residence on Greenville Turnpike in Greenville, Orange County. 

After the fire was extinguished, the body of a deceased male was located inside the residence. The preliminary investigation has revealed the fire was deliberately set, and State Police is investigating the death as a homicide.

State Police is attempting to locate Thomas David Ryan, 32, of Greenville, in connection to this case. Ryan is believed to be operating a 2016 gray Toyota Prius bearing NY license plate HNH-7671. Ryan is 6'2 and approximately 200 lbs. He was last seen in the area of Greenville Tpke wearing black sweatpants and a black t-shirt. 

Ryan is believed to be ARMED and DANGEROUS. 

Anyone coming into contact with Ryan should use extreme caution and contact 911 immediately. Anyone with information about the case should contact SP Middletown BCI at 845-344-5300.

https://troopers.ny.gov/news/update-new-york-state-police-investigating-fatal-house-fire-and-homicide-armed-and-dangerous-2