Two Plead Guilty in the Death of Police Sergeant at Batavia Downs

On Monday, two defendants pled guilty in the death of a police sergeant at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel in New York. 

The defendants are Michael Elmore, 33, and Lynsdey Jean Wilcox, 39. 

Sentencing will be held on Dec. 17 for Elmore and Jan. 21 for Wilcox. 

Details of the Plea Deal

Elmore pled guilty to first-degree aggravated manslaughter and obstruction of governmental administration. He faces up to 20 years in prison and could face supervision for five years after his release. 

“He pleaded guilty to a cap of 20 years, where the maximum if there was a trial, would have been 25,” Genesee County District Attorney Kevin Finnell said to WHAM.

“I believe that’s an appropriate plea for this case and based upon the facts in the indictment,” Finnell also mentioned.

Wilcox pled guilty to second-degree assault and faces up to six months in jail and five years probation. 

How We Got Here: Bar Fight

On Mar. 10, 2024, Wilcox and Elmore got into a fight at the casino. After being apprehended, Wilcox assaulted Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

Sanfratello was working at the casino at the time, ordering them to leave the gaming property. 

Sanfratello and other security guards managed to get out of the building. 

Elmore Beat Sanfratello With A Chain

According to WHAM, Elmore came back with a metal chain and hit Sanfratello, 54, with a chain in the head and face. He put Sanfratello in a chokehold and punched him, per witnesses. 

Sanfratello attempted to zap Elmore with a taser, but it didn’t work. 

Sanfratello was severely injured in the incident, and officers attempted CPR. He died at the scene. 

He worked at the sheriff’s office for 32 years. 

The casino was evacuated as the investigation unfolded. 

This is the latest casino evacuation in the state since Jake's 58 in September. 

The New York Post reported a statement by Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch following Sanfratello’s death: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family members of Sergeant Sanfratello and all the members of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office at this extremely difficult time.”