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He Killed His Father, Torched the Home—Then Vanished. Manhunt Underway.
Manhunt Underway in New York for Suspect Accused of Killing His Father and Setting House on Fire
What Happened?
Imagine a quiet neighborhood where suddenly, a house catches fire. When firefighters put out the flames, they find something terrible inside—a person who didn’t die from the fire, but was killed before the fire even started. That’s what happened in Greenville, New York, and now police are searching for the person they believe did it.
Here’s the simple breakdown:
- Who: Thomas Ryan, 32 years old
- What: Accused of killing his father, Robert Ryan (70), and burning down the house to hide it
- Where: Greenville Turnpike in Greenville, Orange County, New York
- When: Thursday evening (around 6 PM)
- Status: Manhunt in progress—Thomas Ryan is on the run
Who Is the Suspect?
Thomas David Ryan, 32, is the person police are looking for. Here’s what we know about him:
Physical Description
- Height: 6 feet 2 inches (very tall!)
- Weight: About 200 pounds
- Last seen wearing: Black sweatpants and a black t-shirt
Important Things to Know About Him
IMPORTANT: POLICE SAY HE IS ARMED AND DANGEROUS. DO NOT APPROACH HIM.
- He does not live at his father’s house and has no current ties to Greenville
- He lives a transient lifestyle—this means he moves around a lot and stays at different shelters across New York State
- He is known to frequent the Plattsburgh area in Clinton County (that’s far north, near the Canadian border)
- Police are also looking into his mental health history
What Evidence Do Police Have?
Investigators have gathered several important clues:
- The fire was deliberately set — This wasn’t an accident. Someone started it on purpose.
- The death is ruled a homicide — Robert Ryan was killed before the fire.
- Ring camera footage — A neighbor’s doorbell camera appears to show Thomas Ryan running away from the burning house.
- Vehicle — He may be driving his father’s gray 2016 Toyota Prius with New York license plate HNH-7671.
- Travel habits — He also travels by train, so police are working with rail companies.
What Are Police Doing Right Now?
Law enforcement is working hard to find him. Here’s their current plan:
Investigation Steps
- Video canvass — Checking cameras from the crime scene outward to track his movements
- Shelter checks — Following up on every shelter he’s known to stay at
- Extra patrols — More state police officers deployed to Greenville and nearby towns
- Public appeal — Asking residents to check their home security cameras from Thursday 6 PM through overnight
How Can You Help?
CALLOUT: IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING — BUT STAY SAFE!
What Residents Should Do:
- Check your cameras — Look at footage from Thursday 6 PM through Friday morning
- Report anything suspicious — Even if it seems small
- DO NOT APPROACH HIM — He is considered armed and dangerous
Contact Information:
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone (Emergency) | 911 |
| Phone (Non-Emergency) | New York State Police Troop F: (845) 344-5300 |
| FBCICrimeTips@troopers.ny.gov |
A Father Remembered
Robert Ryan wasn’t just a victim—he was a father, a family man, and a community member. His daughter, Stephanie Coiro, shared this heartfelt message:
"My Dad was a pillar in our family and every community he was a part of. He made you feel welcome, he helped when you needed, and then some. He had more character in his pinky than most in their whole bodies. He did not deserve this."
Robert Ryan had retired to Orange County, while the rest of the family lives on Long Island.
Summary
- Thomas Ryan, 32, is wanted for the murder of his father, Robert Ryan, 70, and arson (setting the house on fire).
- The crime happened Thursday evening on Greenville Turnpike in Greenville, Orange County, NY.
- Thomas Ryan is armed, dangerous, and on the run.
- He may be driving a gray 2016 Toyota Prius (plate HNH-7671) or traveling by train.
- Police are reviewing surveillance video, checking shelters, and increasing patrols.
- Do not approach him — call 911 or NY State Police at (845) 344-5300 immediately if you see him.
- The victim’s family is grieving a man described as kind, generous, and deeply loved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Thomas Ryan in custody?
No. As of Saturday, he is still at large. A manhunt is actively underway.
Why do police think he set the fire?
Investigators determined the fire was deliberately set (arson), and the evidence points to Thomas Ryan. A Ring camera appears to show him fleeing the scene.
What should I do if I think I saw him?
Do not approach him. Call 911 immediately or contact NY State Police at (845) 344-5300. You can also email tips to FBCICrimeTips@troopers.ny.gov.
Where might he be hiding?
He has a transient lifestyle and stays at shelters across NY. He’s known to visit the Plattsburgh/Clinton County area. He may also be traveling by train.
How can I help the investigation?
If you live in Greenville or nearby, check your home security cameras for footage from Thursday 6 PM through overnight Friday. Report anything unusual to police.
This article is based on reporting from ABC News (Aaron Katersky contributed). All information is from official New York State Police statements and law enforcement sources.
