What began as a missing person case late Friday quickly escalated into a homicide investigation after a Farmington man was found dead inside a Geneva motel room — and within 48 hours, a person of interest was identified, located, and charged with murder.
Emmanuel Richelieu, 37, had been reported missing around 11 p.m. April 17 after family members, including his brother, said they had not heard from him in two days. That report triggered a search that ultimately led investigators to the America’s Best Value Inn along Routes 5 and 20 in the Town of Geneva.
According to the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, Richelieu’s brother used a phone tracking app that showed the device at the motel property. Deputies responded early Saturday and located the phone on-site, but Richelieu was not with it, raising immediate concern.
Authorities launched a coordinated search throughout the day Saturday using deputies, drones, and a bloodhound. K-9 Schaefer eventually alerted investigators to Room 118. After knocking and receiving no response, deputies entered the room and discovered a deceased adult male. They exited to secure a search warrant before re-entering and formally identifying the victim as Richelieu.
Officials said Richelieu suffered “significant trauma,” prompting investigators to treat the case as a suspicious death from the outset. His body was transported to the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office, where an autopsy is pending to determine the exact cause and manner of death.
Investigators determined the motel room was registered to Julius Ware IV, 29. Ware was initially named a person of interest, and authorities said they were unable to locate him in the hours following the discovery. Law enforcement asked the public for help finding him and urged Ware to contact the sheriff’s office.
Additional details emerged as the investigation unfolded. Officials confirmed Ware had been released from state prison on April 9 and was under parole supervision following a sentence for robbery. The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision assisted in the investigation.
By Sunday evening, the case took a significant turn. Ontario County District Attorney Jason MacBride confirmed that Ware had been located in Geneva, taken into custody, and charged with murder in connection with Richelieu’s death. He is expected to be arraigned in Ontario County.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to piece together what led to Richelieu’s death inside the motel room.
Anyone with information about the case is still encouraged to contact the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office at 315-626-8367 or 800-394-4560, or submit a tip through the OntarioSheriff NY mobile app.
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