Docs: Batavia man hit Genesee County sergeant with jewelry before sergeant died in line of duty
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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Batavia man is accused of hitting a Genesee County Sheriff's Office sergeant in the head and face before the sergeant suffered a medical event during an incident with a Taser resulting in his death at Batavia Downs early Sunday morning, according to documents.
Michael Elmore, 33, is accused of coming back into the building after he was removed by Batavia Downs security as well as Sergeant Thomas Sanfratello. He allegedly was using a metal necklace to hit Sanfratello in the head and face. During the altercation, the 54-year-old Sanfratello, a 32-year veteran, suffered a medical event and died.
Documents from the Batavia Police Department state that Elmore "reasonably should have known that such victim was a police officer."
Elmore is charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter, aggravated assault upon a police officer and second-degree burglary. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
His co-defendant, 39-year-old Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, is accused of striking Sanfratello multiple times during the same incident. She is charged with second-degree burglary and second-degree attempted assault.
Both Elmore and Wilcox are both appearing in court on Tuesday. News 4 also learned Tuesday that Elmore and Wilcox have been in a relationship for about three years.
Sergeant Sanfratello began his career as a dispatcher with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office in 1992, was appointed a Deputy Sheriff in 1996 and was then promoted to Sergeant in 2007.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information or has video of the incident is asked to contact Batavia Police at 585-345-6311. Tips can also be submitted by clicking here.
Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.