Gardiner man charged with manslaughter in hit-and-run death of SUNY New Paltz student

Authorities revealed on Monday that 33-year-old Ty Kobelt, from Gardiner, was indicted for manslaughter in the case and arrested last Friday.

Blaise Gomez

Mar 25, 2024, 7:57 PM

Updated 262 days ago

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An Ulster County man is facing charges for killing a SUNY New Paltz student in a hit-and-run crash in January that officials say showed a “lack of respect for human life.”
Raymond Rattray, a 22-year-old philosophy student, was walking to his off-campus housing after class on Route 208 Jan. 23, when authorities say he was struck.
Authorities revealed on Monday that 33-year-old Ty Kobelt, from Gardiner, was indicted for manslaughter in the case and arrested last Friday.
“This is a case that really hurt our community,” said Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa.
Authorities say Rattray was reported missing by his family the next day and that law enforcement found his body in a wooded area 20 feet from the road.
Authorities wouldn’t reveal what led them to Kobelt but say he was linked to the crime during an exhaustive investigation.
“I want the community to rest assured, that my office will do everything to prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law,” says Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel Nneji. “These are serious matters and they involve tedious and time-consuming work.”
Rattray’s death is one of four recent fatalities that officials say involve crashes and young people in Ulster County.
“We have to promote a culture of respect for getting around whether by foot or by car and we must all act as responsible citizens on the road,” says Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “That is the bottom line.”
Officials say they plan to crack down on speeding and distracted driving with added patrols and speed zones throughout the county.
Kobelt is additionally charged with tampering with evidence and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. He’s being held in Ulster County Jail on $250,000 bail.