ITHACA, N.Y.—The Ithaca Police Department now considers the case of Thomas Rath, who has been missing since May 20, as a kidnapping and homicide investigation. Police first announced that Rath had gone missing on May 30 and their search has focused, at least for a time, on the Jungle homeless encampment in Ithaca and a stretch of woods in Newfield.

Acting Chief Ted Schwartz said Wednesday that “information has been ascertained that Rath was forcibly abducted,” and police are now treating it as a “kidnapping and possible homicide” situation. IPD, New York State Police and the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office are all investigating, Schwartz said.

Further details weren’t disclosed by Schwartz.

Rath was last seen in the Jungle and was described as 6 feet tall weighing about 145 pounds, wearing black jeans and a black hooded shirt with a blue bag. He has several tattoos, including a black and pink heart on his neck.

Thomas Rath, 33, was publicly announced to be missing by the Ithaca Police Department on May 30. Police are requesting help searching for Rath. Credit: Provided / Ithaca Police Department

Since Rath’s disappearance, police have not released specific details about the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Ithaca Voice has requested more information and will update this story if more becomes available.

Matt Butler is the Editor in Chief of The Ithaca Voice. He can be reached by email at mbutler@ithacavoice.org.