A Cheektowaga man was arraigned on Friday, September 13th on a murder charge along with other offenses after beating a man to death in Buffalo's Riverside neighborhood. He then fled to South Carolina.
The investigation began when Buffalo police conducted a wellness check at the home of 66-year-old Michael Fronczak at Henrietta Avenue on August 17th. Tragically, officers discovered Fronczak deceased in the basement.
The Erie County Medical Examiner's Office determined that his death was a result of blunt force trauma and ruled it a homicide. James D. Dietz, 56, is believed to have brutally beat Fronczak to death using his fists and a lamp.
Following the deadly assault, Dietz stole the victim's wallet and vehicle before fleeing the area. Authorities apprehended Dietz in Taylors, South Carolina on August 21st. After waiving extradition, he was returned to Western New York to face prosecution for the death of Fronczak.
Dietz has been charged with second-degree murder, third-degree unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and petit larceny. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. Currently, he is being held without bail. The date for his next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
Man Arraigned on Murder Charge After Fleeing to South Carolina, Beat Victim to Death with Lamp