BATAVIA, N.Y. — The two suspects who police say are connected to the early Sunday morning death of Genesee County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Thomas Sanfratello are scheduled to appear in Batavia Town Court on Tuesday, March 12.
We know that the sheriff's deputy who passed this weekend was working on what's called a special detail at the casino.
Just about everyone that we spoke to on Monday said that they do feel comfortable with the security there.
The exact circumstances surrounding the early Sunday morning death of 54-year-old Sanfratello are still under investigation. But two suspects are being held on bail at the Genesee County Jail. Police said they had been involved in a struggle with the deputy and casino security staffers as they were being escorted out of the casino complex following a confrontation.
It was stated by police that the deputy was trying to use a taser on the suspect during the encounter.
Michael J. Elmore, 33, is being charged with manslaughter and assault on a police officer. Lindsey Jean Wilcox, 39, who was with Elmore is accused of assault and burglary.
Despite the tragic incident, the casino is generally considered safe by people we spoke with on Monday like Betty Ann and Lee Cordero of Rochester:
"I always felt very comfortable and protected. Security has always been very visible and are ready to help in any way that they can," Cordero said.
"Never a problem here. Never heard of a problem. This is unprecedented," Cordero's husband Lee said.
Another casino patron, Joyce Brosi of Rochester, also said "Never had a problem. It's always been nice and it's beautifully remodeled. Happy to come here."
Again we know that the investigation is continuing. And of course, the lead agency on that is the Batavia Police Department. We also checked in with the Genesee County Sheriff's Office just to ask if any arrangements had been made in terms of a memorial service. We were told they are still working out those details.