Two defendants have pleaded guilty following the tragic death of Police Sergeant Thomas Sanfratello at New York's Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel in March 2024.

Michael Elmore, 33, pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated manslaughter and obstruction of governmental administration. He faces up to 20 years in prison and five years of supervision upon release, with sentencing scheduled for December 17.

Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, 39, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and faces up to six months in jail with five years probation. Her sentencing is set for January 21.

The incident began with a bar fight at the casino on March 10, 2024. After Sgt. Sanfratello and security guards escorted the suspects out, Elmore returned with a metal chain. He repeatedly struck Sanfratello in the head and face, placed him in a chokehold, and continued the assault despite the officer's attempt to subdue him with a taser.

Sanfratello, a 32-year veteran of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, died at the scene despite CPR attempts. The casino, located 35 miles west of Rochester, NY, was evacuated during the investigation.

Genesee County District Attorney Kevin Finnell stated that Elmore's plea deal, reducing the maximum sentence from 25 to 20 years, was appropriate based on the case facts and indictment.

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