Man accused of WNY murder allegedly fled to Mexico in victim's car

Anyone with information is asked to call the Warsaw Police Department at 585-786-2000.

WARSAW, N.Y. (WROC) – A local man wanted for murder by the Warsaw Police Department is believed to have fled to Mexico.

According to the Wyoming County District Attorney's Office, the Warsaw Police Department was called for a welfare check on 53-year-old Cheryl Cook on Nov. 7. Cook was found dead in the residence, and authorities said the autopsy indicated the cause of death was strangulation.

At the time of her death, Cook was said to be living with 41-year-old Michael Bellaire.

The DA's Office stated that since the investigation on Nov. 7, multiple law enforcement agencies across the United States have been searching for Bellaire. Police said Bellaire was last seen crossing into Mexico operating Cook’s gray 2012 Toyota Corolla.

On Feb. 12, the Warsaw Police Department obtained an arrest warrant for Bellaire for the following charges: Murder in the second degree, strangulation in the first degree, tampering with physical evidence, and two separate counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree.

The grand larceny charges were said to concern allegations that Bellaire stole Cook’s motor vehicle and her credit cards. 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Warsaw Police Department at 585-786-2000.