WARSAW, N.Y. — Police in Wyoming County are searching for a suspect wanted in connection with a homicide last November.
Police were called to do a welfare check on a woman at a home in the Village of Warsaw on November 7, 2023. When officers entered the home, the found Cheryl Cook, 53 dead inside the residence.
An autopsy revealed Cook died from strangulation.
Investigators say at the time of the incident, Cook was living with Michael H. Bellaire, 41. Since November 7, 2023, police have been unable to located Bellaire. They say it is believed his last known location was crossing into Mexico in Cook's vehicle, a gray, 2012 Toyota Corolla.
Warsaw Police obtained an arrest warrant for Bellaire for the following charges:
- Murder in the Second Degree
- Strangulation in the First Degree
- Tampering with Physical Evidence
- Two charges of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree
The Wyoming County District Attorney's office say Bellaire is charged with Grand Larceny because he allegedly stole Cook's vehicle and credit cards.
Several law enforcement agencies are assisting the Warsaw Police Department in the search for Bellaire, including: Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations – Buffalo Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the New York State Police and the Wyoming County District Attorney’s Office.
Police say the most recent picture they have of Bellaire is from a 2021 mugshot.
If anyone has any information on Bellaire, or his whereabouts, you're asked to contact Chief Pete Hoffmeister at the Village of Warsaw Police Department at: 585-786-2000.