A police sergeant died following an altercation at New York's Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, with two defendants pleading guilty on November 19, 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 post-release when sentenced on December 17.

Co-defendant 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 scheduled for January 21.

The incident occurred on March 10, 2024, when the duo became involved in a bar fight at the casino. After being escorted out by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello and security guards, Elmore returned with a metal chain. He repeatedly struck Sanfratello on the head and face, placed him in a chokehold, and punched him. Despite Sanfratello's attempt to subdue Elmore with a taser, the attack continued.

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, which reduced his maximum sentence from 25 to 20 years, was appropriate given the case circumstances.

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