Sullivan County man charged with murder

Lars Ryder: Photo via New York State PoliceA missing Sullivan County woman has allegedly been murdered by her "live-in companion," according to a press release from the New York State Police.

Elizabeth Mucci was reported missing on Tuesday, and yesterday police arrested 22-year-old Lars Ryder, who lived with her, and charged with him 2nd-degree murder.

The Times Herald-Record visited the apartment complex where the couple lived, but found few details about the couple or how Mucci might have died:

It was determined Friday that Mucci was the victim of a homicide and may have been dead for at least two weeks, police said ... Ryder worked as a laborer for a Bridgeville excavating company, police said. They knew little about Mucci, except to say she was a landlord and in school at BOCES.

Read the full State Police press release below:

Kiamesha Lake man arrested for Murder 2nd degree

The New York State Police at Liberty announce the arrest of LARS RYDER, age 22 of Fraser Road, Kiamesha Lake, NY on for Murder 2nd degree as a result of the homicide of Elizabeth MUCCI, 31 of Hankins, NY.

On Tuesday, May 10, 2011, a concerned family member contacted the State Police and reported that MUCCI had without explanation, not been seen or heard from in several days. This missing person investigation eventually lead Investigators to RYDER, who was her live-in companion. Extensive efforts to locate Elizabeth Mucci were conducted over several days and on Friday, May 13th it was determined that Mucci was the victim of a homicide. 

Ryder is charged with Murder in the 2nd degree for intentionally causing the death of ELIZABETH MUCCI and was arraigned in the Town of Liberty Justice Court before T/J Harold Bauman where he has remanded to the Sullivan County Jail, no bail.