BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Cheektowaga man was arraigned in court Friday on charges connected to a homicide.
James D. Dietz, 56, is charged with one count of Murder in the Second Degree, one count of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree, and one count of Petit Larceny.
The Erie County District Attorney's Office says Buffalo Police were called to a home on Henrietta Avenue August 17 to do a welfare check. When they arrived, they found 66-year-old Michael R. Fronczak found dead in his own basement.
His death was ruled a homicide due to blunt force trauma, according to the Erie County Medical Examiner's Office.
Investigators say Dietz allegedly beat Fronczak with his fists and a lamp. Police say Dietz also stole the victim's wallet and vehicle and fled the area.
Dietz was found in Taylors, South Carolina a few days later and taken into custody by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office.
Dietz waived extradition and was returned to Buffalo to face charges.
Dietz pleaded not guilty to the charges, and is currently being held without bail.
If convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison.
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