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.