Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Tragic Incident at Batavia Downs Casino in Upstate New York
A sheriff’s sergeant, Thomas Sanfratello, tragically lost his life while on duty at the Batavia Downs casino in upstate New York. The 32-year veteran of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office was escorting two individuals out of the casino when he was attacked and killed in a fight.
Sergeant Sanfratello’s Last Moments
On the night of March 10, Sgt. Sanfratello was working a special assignment at the casino when an altercation broke out in the bar area. Along with casino security, he was escorting a man and a woman out of the premises following a verbal dispute. The situation escalated when the woman, aged 39, became physically combative with the sergeant, leading to her arrest. However, the situation took a tragic turn when the other patron, a 33-year-old man, interfered and attacked the sergeant, resulting in a physical altercation that involved security and other casino patrons.
Charges Laid Against the Perpetrators
Michael Elmore, the 33-year-old man, faces charges of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, aggravated assault upon a police officer, and burglary. The woman, Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, has been charged with attempted assault and burglary. Elmore, who had initially been asked to leave the casino with Wilcox, returned with the intention of committing a crime, leading to the fatal confrontation.
Remembering Sergeant Sanfratello
Sanfratello, who had joined the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office in 1992 as a dispatcher, was described as a dedicated member of the law enforcement community. His passing has left a profound impact on his colleagues and the local community. The sheriff’s office expressed their deep sorrow at the loss of Sanfratello, who had served as a deputy sheriff since 1996 and was promoted to sergeant in 2007.
Sanfratello’s cause of death has not been disclosed, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing. Batavia, located in upstate New York, is about a 45-mile drive east of Buffalo.
Community Support and Mourning
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office conveyed a message from Sanfratello’s family, thanking the community for the outpouring of support during this difficult time. Colleagues and community members alike have shared heartfelt messages of remembrance and grief for the loss of a beloved member of the sheriff’s office.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers face every day in the line of duty. The loss of Sergeant Sanfratello has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him, and his memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
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