2 charged in death of Genesee sergeant at Batavia Downs

Press Release, City of Batavia Police Department

Michael J. Elmore

BATAVIA – The City of Batavia Police Department has made two arrests following an investigation into the line-of-duty death of Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Thomas Sanfratello that occurred in the early morning hours of March 10 at the Batavia Downs.

Michael J. Elmore, 33, of Batavia is charged as follows: Aggravated Manslaughter 1st degree (Class B Felony), Aggravated Assault upon a Police Officer (Class B Felony), Burglary 2nd degree (Class C Felony).

It is alleged that Elmore intended to cause serious physical injury to Sgt. Sanfratello and Sgt. Sanfratello died as a result of the encounter. It is further alleged that Elmore remained unlawfully, left and then returned to the Batavia Downs after having been told to leave the premises and he did so with the intent to commit a crime therein.

Lyndsey Jean Wilcox

Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, 39, of Batavia is charged as follows: Burglary 2nd degree (Class C Felony), Attempted Assault 2nd (Class E Felony). It is alleged that Wilcox remained unlawfully in the Batavia Downs after having been told to leave with the intent to commit a crime therein. It is further alleged that Lyndsey Jean Wilcox attempted to commit the crime of Assault 2nd during the confrontation with Sgt. Sanfratello.

Both Elmore and Wilcox were held at Genesee County Jail and were arraigned by Judge Mileham in Centralized Arraignment Part (CAP) Court.

Elmore was held on $100,000 cash bail, $200,000 bond or $500,000 partially secured bond. Wilcox was held on $50,000 cash bail, $100,000 security bond or $200,000 partially secured bond. Both are to appear on March 12 in the Town of Batavia Court.

The City of Batavia Police Department was assisted by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Genesee County 911 Communications Center and the Genesee County District Attorney’s Office during this investigation.

Anyone with any further information is asked to contact the City of Batavia Detective Bureau at 585-345-6311 or by submitting a tip at www.bataviapolice.org.

We would like to thank all those that came forward with information to assist the investigation and those that assisted at the scene. We are asking that you keep the family and friends of Sgt. Sanfratello in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.