(WNY News Now) – On November 7, 2023, Warsaw Police discovered the lifeless body of 53-year-old Cheryl Cook, leading to an ongoing investigation and a manhunt for a 41-year-old WNY man. The suspect is now wanted on multiple charges, including murder and grand larceny.
The Warsaw Police Department responded to a welfare check on November 7, 2023, finding Cheryl Cook deceased in her residence at the age of 53. Preliminary autopsy results pointed to strangulation as the cause of her tragic demise. At the time, Cook shared the residence with 41-year-old Michael H. Bellaire, who has since become the focus of a nationwide search.
photo credit: Wyoming County District Attorney’s Office
Law enforcement agencies across the United States have been collaborating to locate Bellaire since the initiation of the investigation. The most recent known whereabouts place him crossing into Mexico while operating Cheryl Cook’s 2012 Toyota Corolla, colored grey.
As of February 12, 2024, the Warsaw Police Department secured an arrest warrant for Bellaire on charges that include Murder in the Second Degree, Strangulation in the First Degree, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree – twice. The grand larceny charges specifically pertain to allegations of Bellaire stealing Cook’s motor vehicle and credit cards.
Assisting in the investigation are the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations – Buffalo Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the New York State Police, and the Wyoming County District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities urge anyone with information related to this case to contact Chief Pete Hoffmeister at the Warsaw Police Department at 585-786-2000. It is essential to note that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and charges are accusations pending judicial proceedings.
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