Thomas A Sanfratello: Decorated New York sheriff’s sergeant beaten to death by a casino couple
Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised
BATAVIA, NEW YORK: A decorated New York sheriff’s sergeant tragically lost his life after escorting a couple out of Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel over the weekend.
Michael J Elmore and Lyndsey Jean Wilcox allegedly attacked Sergeant Thomas A Sanfratello, 54, who had been assigned to the special detail at the casino, as per a press release from the Batavia Police Department,
The suspect duo, both of Batavia, New York, allegedly stayed at the casino unlawfully after being instructed to leave, said police. The couple was then escorted from the casino.
Lyndsey Jean Wilcox allegedly assaulted Thomas A Sanfratello
In an altercation, Wilcox allegedly assaulted sheriff’s sergeant Sanfratello.
He was also attacked again by Elmore who “left and then returned” to the casino “with the intent to commit a crime therein,” claimed police.
Michael J Elmore allegedly returned to the casino with metal chains to threaten Sergeant Thomas A Sanfratello
According to The Batavian, Elmore allegedly returned to the casino with metal chains to threaten the sergeant.
He had “passed [the chains] between both hands while swinging them around and making threats,” before attacking the sergeant’s head and face.
Elmore also allegedly put Sergeant Sanfratello in a chokehold and beat him with his fists, per the documents cited in the newspaper.
What charges do Michael J Elmore and Lyndsey Jean Wilcox face?
Elmore, 33, is charged with aggravated manslaughter in the first degree, aggravated felony assault upon a police officer, and felony burglary in the second degree, per police.
Wilcox, 39, is charged with felony burglary in the second degree and attempted felony assault in the second degree.
Elmore is held at Genesee County Jail on a $100K cash bail, a bond of $200K, or a $500K partially secured bond, per police.
Wilcox is held on $50K cash bail, a $100K security bond, or a $200K partially secured bond.
“Words cannot describe the loss our office feels with the passing of Sergeant Sanfratello,” the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a Facebook post announcing the line-of-duty death on Sunday, March 10, afternoon. “Rest in peace.”
Thomas A Sanfratello had twice been awarded Deputy of the Year
According to his obituary in The Batavian, Sanfratello, who died in the early morning hours of Sunday, had twice been awarded Deputy of the Year.
With 32 years of experience, the veteran law enforcement officer, who joined the sheriff’s office as a dispatcher in 1992, was also a certified paramedic who doubled as an active member of the Alexander Fire Department from 1986 to 2003, per his obituary.
According to the sheriff’s office, Sanfratello was appointed as a deputy four years after joining the force.
In 2007 he was promoted to Road Patrol Sergeant.
In 2015 Sanfratello was inducted into the Model Car Hall of Fame as the Collector of the Year, read his obituary.
He was later presented with the President’s Award by the association in 2021.
