Press release
On November 7, 2023, the Warsaw Police Department were called for a “welfare check” on CHERYL COOK, a 53-year-old female. Upon entry into the residence, the Warsaw Police Department located CHERYL COOK deceased in the residence. A preliminary autopsy indicated the cause of death was strangulation.
At the time of her death, CHERYL COOK was living with a 41-year-old male named MICHAEL H. BELLAIRE. Since the start of this investigation on November 7, 2023, multiple law enforcement agencies across the United States have been trying to locate MICHAEL H. BELLAIRE. The last known location of MICHAEL H. BELLAIRE was crossing into Mexico operating CHERYL COOK’s motor vehicle (2012 Toyota Corolla – Color Grey).
On February 12, 2024, the Warsaw Police Department obtained an arrest warrant for MICHAEL H. BELLAIRE, a 41 year old male, for the following charges:
MURDER IN THE SECOND DEGREE (Penal Law Section 125.25(1))
STRANGULATION IN THE FIRST DEGREE (Penal Law Section 121.13)
TAMPERING WITH PHYSICAL EVIDENCE (Penal Law 215.40(2))
GRAND LARCENY IN THE FOURTH DEGREE (Penal Law 155.30(4))
GRAND LARCENY IN THE FOURTH DEGREE (Penal Law 155.30(8)
The Grand Larceny charges concern allegations that MICHAEL H. BELLAIRE stole Cheryl Cook’s motor vehicle and her credit cards.
The Warsaw Police Department was assisted by the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations – Buffalo Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the New York State Police and the Wyoming County District Attorney’s Office.
Anyone having any information in this case should contact Chief Pete Hoffmeister at the Warsaw Police Department (Phone Number 585-786-2000)