Investigators seek the public's help in gathering more video evidence involving two people charged Sunday in connection with the death of a Genesee County Sheriff's deputy at Batavia Downs.
One of the defendants appears to have used a thick rope chain while attacking the deputy, those involved in the investigation said Wednesday during a news conference at the Sheriff's Office.
"This is an ongoing investigation, and the casino was very busy that night," Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said. "We're asking anyone who may have witnessed this incident and or may have digital evidence, video or photos to contact our detective bureau. We have created a QR code that will take them directly to a site where they can drop video into our evidence."
A message on the site directs citizens with questions about sharing evidence to call Batavia Police Detective Eric Hill at 585-345-6373 for further details.
Michael J. Elmore, 33, of Batavia, was arraigned Tuesday and charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter, aggravated assault on a police officer and second-degree burglary in the death of Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello, 54.
Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, 39 and also of Batavia, was charged with second-degree burglary and second-degree attempted assault.
Authorities with the Sheriff's Office and police department said Elmore and Wilcox were creating a disturbance at 34 Rush sports bar inside the casino when Sanfratello and security members of Batavia Downs interceded.
Elmore is accused of attacking the 32-year sheriff's veteran, who was working on a special assignment detail at the Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel.
"Sgt. Sanfratello had called for assistance," said Joseph M. Graff, chief deputy with the Criminal Investigations Division of the Sheriff's Office.
"Deputies from our office responded to assist him, along with officers from the Batavia City Police Department, New York State troopers. Mercy EMS Medics responded, as well as civilians who were in the casino at the time. Everyone immediately began assisting Sgt. Sanfratello with lifesaving measures, which were not successful," Graff said.
Heubusch said videos already in hand show the suspects were resisting arrest when Sanfratello collapsed.
"It's obvious in the videos that the subjects were not going into custody without a fight, the investigator said, "so they were physically resisting arrest, violently."
"During the altercation," Heubusch added, "you can see one of the defendants, the male defendant, remove a large piece of jewelry from around his neck, a chain or a metal, thick rope that was used right in the struggle. So I can't get into the details of what happened with that, but it was used as part of the attack."
He said court documents said Elmore placed the sergeant in a chokehold.
Batavia police said Sanfratello used a Taser on Elmore, but it wasn't effective in subduing him.
Genesee County District Attorney Kevin T. Finnell said Elmore was charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter because Sanfratello was a police officer.
"In this case, manslaughter implies an intent to cause serious physical injury, causing the death of a police officer," Finnell said.
The use of the chain, he said, is an important part of the investigation.
"A grand jury will certainly review the evidence... ," the DA said. "Until the investigation is concluded, we cannot predict what additional charges, if any, might be filed in connection with this case."
Finnell said he was unaware whether Elmore and Wilcox were tested for drug or alcohol use.
"I know it's procedure from the jail to do a screening for drugs and alcohol," the district attorney said. "My understanding is they were not initially cooperative with that process, however."
An autopsy was performed by the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office, he said, but the report has not yet been released.
No other officers reported they were hurt during the altercation, Heubusch said.
Graff added that the sergeant wasn't wearing a body camera at the time of the altercation, although all the other officers called to the scene were.
Sanfratello was remembered by Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. and his fellow law enforcement officers as a dedicated public servant, who began his career as an emergency medical technician before he joined the Sheriff's Office in 1992 as a dispatcher. He became a deputy in 1996 and was promoted to sergeant in 2007.
Sanfratello was also memorialized by his son, Ian, who thanked the community for its outpouring of support to his family.
"My dad was a one-of-a-kind, an amazing dad, son, brother and co-worker," Ian Sanfratello said.
"I know we will all cherish the memories we had with him," he added. "He will never be forgotten, and he will be missed immensely by all that had the chance to not only know him, but talk to him, and he will always be loved."
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