(WNY News Now) – BUFFALO, N.Y. – A 57-year-old Buffalo man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the brutal beating death of 66-year-old Michael R. Fronczak in his Riverside home earlier this year. The defendant, James D. Dietz, admitted to causing the victim’s death in a violent attack on August 17, 2024.
Dietz pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter, a Class “B” violent felony, before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek. The plea fully satisfied the indictment against him, marking a resolution to the case. Dietz faces up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on February 20, 2025.
On the afternoon of August 17, Buffalo Police officers responded to a welfare check at Fronczak’s residence on Henrietta Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered Fronczak’s lifeless body in the basement. The Erie County Medical Examiner later confirmed the death as a homicide, caused by blunt force trauma. Investigators determined that Dietz repeatedly beat Fronczak with his fists and a lamp, leading to the victim’s death.
Following the attack, Dietz stole Fronczak’s wallet and vehicle before fleeing the area. Authorities tracked him to Taylors, South Carolina, where he was apprehended by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office on August 21. Dietz waived extradition and was returned to Erie County to face charges.
The case was handled by First Deputy District Attorney Gary W. Hackbush, former Chief of the Homicide Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Christopher S. Safulko of the Homicide Bureau.
Dietz remains in custody without bail pending his sentencing.
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