Cheektowaga man arraigned on murder charge after fleeing to South Carolina
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Cheektowaga man was arraigned on a murder charge, among others, Friday after allegedly beating a man to death in Buffalo’s Riverside neighborhood and then fleeing to South Carolina, according to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
Buffalo police found 66-year-old Michael Fronczak deceased in the basement of his home on Henrietta Avenue during a wellness check around on Aug. 17. The death was ruled a homicide caused by blunt force trauma by The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office, officials said.
James D. Dietz, 56, allegedly beat Fronczak with his fists and a lamp. He then is alleged to have stolen the victim’s wallet and vehicle before fleeing the area, officials said. Fronczak died from his injuries.
Dietz was arrested in Taylors, South Carolina on Aug. 21. He was then returned to Western New York to face prosecution after waiving extradition.
Dietz was charged with one count of second-degree murder, one count of third-degree unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and one count of petit larceny.
He faces a maximum of 25 years in prison if convicted and was held without bail. His next court date has not been scheduled at this time.
Latest Local News
2 firefighters hurt in blaze on Madison Street
Statler owner didn’t have permission to display Josh Allen banner
Tenants of Buffalo’s 201 Ellicott development speak on poor living conditions
How an air hockey table inspired boy to start nonprofit to help other kids fighting cancer
Silver Creek gaining traction as destination on Lake Erie
Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.