Cheektowaga Man Indicted on Murder Charge for Beating Victim to Death

Friday, September 13, 2024

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that James D. Dietz, 56, of Cheektowaga was arraigned this morning before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case on an indictment charging him with one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class "A-I" felony), one count of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree, and one count of Petit Larceny (Class "A" misdemeanors).

It is alleged that on the afternoon of Saturday, August 17, 2024, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Buffalo Police officers responded to a residence on the first block of Henrietta Avenue for a check the welfare call. Officers found the victim, 66-year-old Michael R. Fronczak, deceased in the basement of his home. The Erie County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death a homicide caused by blunt force trauma.

The defendant is accused of intentionally beating the victim with his fists and a lamp, which resulted in his death. It is further alleged that the defendant stole the victim's wallet and vehicle then fled the area. On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, the defendant was apprehended by the Greenville County Sheriff's Office in Taylors, South Carolina. The defendant was returned to Western New York to face prosecution after waiving extradition.

Dietz was held without bail. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.

If convicted of the highest charge, Dietz faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

Acting DA Keane commends Detective Scott Malec, Detective Mark White, and members of the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Squad for their work in this investigation as well as the Greenville County Sheriff's Office for their assistance in the apprehension of the defendant.

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Gary Hackbush and Assistant District Attorney Christopher S. Safulko of the Homicide Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.