A man accused of a brutal ax attack inside a Canandaigua motel has pleaded guilty to a top felony charge, bringing a case with a documented history of violence closer to resolution.
Justin A. Rogers, 27, admitted in Ontario County Court to first-degree assault, a class B violent felony, before Judge Frederick G. Reed. Prosecutors said Rogers acknowledged using an axe against a 53-year-old man with intent to cause serious physical injury.
Under a plea agreement reached after discussions with the victim’s family, Rogers is expected to serve 15 years in state prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. The agreement also includes an order of protection. Sentencing is scheduled for May 14.
“After discussions with the victim’s family, this plea agreement was reached with their input and consideration,” prosecutors said in a statement. “While no outcome can undo the harm caused, this resolution provides a measure of accountability and avoids the need for the victim’s loved ones to endure a trial.”
Violent attack inside motel room
The charge stems from a violent incident earlier this year at the D&D Motel on County Road 50.
Investigators said Rogers assaulted 53-year-old John D. Kirby during a confrontation inside a motel room, using an axe to strike him in the upper body.
Emergency crews were called to the motel after a welfare check reported a possibly injured man. Deputies found Kirby unresponsive with significant trauma. He was airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital and listed in critical condition at the time.
Authorities said there was no ongoing threat to the public following Rogers’ arrest.
Rogers was initially arraigned in Ontario County CAP Court and held without bail.
Prior assaults raised concerns
The case drew additional scrutiny due to Rogers’ recent criminal history.
According to prosecutors and prior reporting, Rogers had been arrested three times on assault-related charges in the two years leading up to the motel attack.
In March 2024, he was accused of punching a man during a fight at a neighboring motel. In a separate incident in September, deputies charged him again after he allegedly punched and kicked a victim, breaking and disfiguring the person’s nose.
Authorities said that same day, Rogers also attempted to strike a deputy during his arrest, injuring the officer’s knee.
Despite those cases, Rogers had been released to pretrial services before the ax attack.
With the guilty plea entered, the case now moves toward sentencing, avoiding what would likely have been a high-profile trial centered on a violent assault and the defendant’s prior record.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].