Forty-six-year-old Adam Smith was apprehended on Thursday, March 2 in a stolen vehicle. Police say it belonged to 67-year-old William Freeman, who was found stabbed to death the same day at his home in the town of Rossie. Smith was charged with second-degree murder.

At a press conference on Tuesday, March 7, St. Lawrence County district attorney Gary Pasqua said investigators believe Smith is also connected to another murder.

Seventy-two-year-old Ronald Durham was found dead in a cemetery last month in Gouverneur.

“There is an expectation that Mr. Smith will be charged in the homicide of Mr. Durham,” said Pasqua. “That has not occurred at this time as the New York State Police continues to investigate leads in that matter.”

Another man who had been charged with Durham’s murder was released from jail last Friday. Pasqua said 22 year-old Frederick Wing had been arrested and charged on Feb. 11.

“Mr. Wing has now been released. We do not believe he took Mr. Durham’s life. It appears that he is being truthful and honest with law enforcement at this point,” said Pasqua.

Pasqua said Wing does have “intimate knowledge” of that first crime and could become a witness.

St. Lawrence County Sheriff Brooks Bigwarfe said Smith also has a residence in Gouverneur and that the individuals involved “were known to one another.” He said there is no danger to the general public. He said he had no comment on a motive because the investigation remains active.