A Saratoga County man is accused of killing a man from Ticonderoga with whom he had been in a relationship.

Ronald G. Rayher, 69, is charged with second-degree manslaughter for allegedly causing the death of 40-year-old Thomas J. Krider at his home in the town of Milton on Friday, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office said on Tuesday.

Rayher is accused of restraining and binding Krider and administering a substance described as chloroform more than one time, court documents said. In addition, Rayher also was charged with tampering with physical evidence for allegedly moving and hiding effects from the scene of Krider’s death.

Saratoga County Undersheriff Jeff Brown told NewsChannel 13 that the investigation began when Rayher walked into the Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday reporting that someone had died in his basement. 

Rayher is accused of recklessly causing Krider’s death. At this point, Brown said it does not appear to be intentional.

“The investigation is ongoing. We have a lot of moving parts,” Brown said.

Brown said Rayher and the victim had known each other for over 10 years and had a close relationship. They were getting together over the weekend when this occurred.

Brown said Rayher is accused of administering the chemicals that caused Krider’s death.

“It appears – everything we have at this point – that everything that occurred there between the two was consensual, but that’s still under investigation,” he said.

Brown said this is a unique case.

“We have seen people die of chemicals before but this exact-type situation is not one we have encountered before,” he said.

Rayher was arraigned in Milton Town Court and sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of bail. Bail was set as $250,000 cash, $500,000 bond or $2.5 million partially secured bond.

His next court date is scheduled for May 21 at 10 a.m.

The court documents also revealed that Rayher works as a part-time chiropractor one day per week,

Krider, who also goes by T.J. Greene, was reported missing by friends and family on Saturday. He was an Elvis impersonator and also gave tours of the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour in Ticonderoga, according to a GoFundMe account set up to pay for his funeral expenses.

The organizer of the GoFundMe said that: “TJ was the most kind, loving, and generous person that many of us have ever met. His love for his wife Heidi (and hers for him) is something that most of us don’t find in this lifetime.”

James Cawley, of the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour, called Krider a great friend to everyone.

He will be remembered for his kind and trusting soul and his warm, friendly demeanor. We are devastated by his loss and will keep him close to our hearts. No further statements will be made at this time. 

Krider also was a performer at Six Flags Great Escape’s popular Halloween event Fright Fest.

“TJ’s passion for his craft, charming smile and contributions to the park will be remembered by our team. His dedication to providing thrills and entertainment to our guests will be deeply missed,” said Six Flags spokesperson Taylor Myers in a statement.

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the New York State Police Forensic Identification Unit, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Ticonderoga Police Department.