Investigators believe the deceased may be connected to a missing person case reported to the Rome Police Department on May 24, 2026. Positive identification remains pending confirmation by the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Upon further investigation, a quantity of methamphetamine was located in Smith’s possession. He was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree.

Jose Perez age 63 of Utica, was located on Stark St and transported to the Utica Police Department. At the conclusion of the investigation Perez was charged with: Arson in the second degree (occupied dwelling