Buffalo man admits to fatal beating of victim with lamp
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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Buffalo man pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter Thursday after he used his fists and a lamp to beat a 66-year-old man to death, the Erie County District Attorney's Office announced.
Officials said 57-year-old James Dietz repeatedly beat 66-year-old Michael Fronczak before allegedly stealing his wallet and vehicle and fleeing. Officers discovered Fronczak's body around 4 p.m. Aug. 17 in the basement of his residence on Henrietta Avenue.
Dietz was apprehended in South Carolina four days later. He was returned to Western New York to face prosecution.
Dietz remains held without bail. He is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 20 and faces up to 25 years in prison.
Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.