A fundraising campaign has been launched to help the family of Emmanuel Richelieu cover funeral and transportation costs, days after authorities confirmed his death inside a Geneva motel room was a homicide.
The online fundraiser, created by a family member, had raised more than $1,600 toward a $15,000 goal as of this week, with dozens of donations coming in as loved ones seek to bring Richelieu home to Florida for burial.
Richelieu, 37, was found dead April 18 inside a room at the America’s Best Value Inn along Routes 5 and 20 in the Town of Geneva, following a search prompted by his disappearance. According to investigators, family members had not heard from him for two days before his brother used a phone tracking app to help locate him.
Authorities say deputies found Richelieu’s phone on the motel property before a K-9 search led them to Room 118, where he was discovered deceased. An autopsy later determined he died from multiple sharp force injuries, and his death was ruled a homicide.
Family seeking help to bring him home
In the fundraiser, Richelieu’s family described him as “kind, loving, and the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back,” saying his loss has left them devastated.
Their immediate focus, they said, is transporting his body to Florida and arranging funeral services — costs they described as overwhelming.
“We are asking for any support, whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this page,” the organizer wrote. “No amount is too small, and every bit of support means the world to our family.”
The fundraiser notes that donations will go toward transportation, funeral expenses, and final arrangements.
Murder charge filed, suspect held without bail
Meanwhile, the criminal case tied to Richelieu’s death is moving through Ontario County Court.
Julius Ware IV, 29, has been charged with second-degree murder and pleaded not guilty earlier this week. He remains held without bail at the Ontario County Jail.
Investigators allege Ware intentionally caused Richelieu’s death and that a weapon was used. Officials have not publicly detailed the relationship between the two men.
Ware had been released from state prison on April 9 following a robbery conviction and was under parole supervision at the time of the incident. Authorities said he had been placed at the Geneva motel as part of a temporary housing arrangement tied to parole.
After Richelieu’s body was discovered, Ware was initially named a person of interest and later located at a residence in the City of Geneva, where he was taken into custody without incident.
Investigation continues as family mourns
Law enforcement agencies, including the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, Geneva Police Department, New York State Police, and parole officers, have been involved in what officials described as an extensive, ongoing investigation.
A preliminary hearing in the case is expected in the coming days.
As the legal process unfolds, Richelieu’s family continues to grieve while working to bring him back to Florida for burial — an effort now supported by a growing number of donors online.
Authorities continue to ask anyone with information about the case to contact law enforcement.
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