(Information from a provided press release)
On January 9th, 2026, Michael H. Bellaire, 43, of Warsaw, NY, appeared for sentencing before the Honorable Melissa Lightcap Cianfrini after being convicted of Murder 2nd degree. Strangulation 1st degree, and Grand Larceny 4th degree.
After hearing statements from the victim’s family members, Judge Lightcap Cianfrini sentenced Bellaire to the following:
Murder 2nd degree – 25 years to life in state prison
Strangulation 1st degree – 7 years in state prison
Grand Larceny 4th degree – 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison
All sentences were ordered to run concurrent with each other. The Court additionally imposed orders of protection for the victim’s family members which are valid until the year 2126.
“The sentence of 25 years to life in this case, the maximum sentence allowed by law, was appropriate. The
Defendant murdered the victim by strangling her and took her away from her children, grandchildren, and family members. I hope that the Defendant spends the rest of his life in prison,” District Attorney Vincent A. Hemming said.
Previously: