Wyoming County Man Found Guilty of 2023 Murder, Faces 25 Years to Life

URGENT UPDATE: A jury has just found Michael Bellaire, 43, guilty of the murder of Cheryl Cook in Warsaw, Wyoming County. The verdict was announced by the Wyoming County District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday, marking a significant development in this high-profile case.

The crime occurred on November 2, 2023, when Bellaire strangled Cook in her home. After the brutal act, he fled, stealing Cook’s debit card and escaping to Mexico, where he evaded authorities for nearly a year. Cook’s body was discovered five days later during a welfare check conducted by law enforcement.

Bellaire was convicted of second-degree murder, first-degree strangulation, and fourth-degree grand larceny. He is now facing a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison, with sentencing set for January 9, 2026.

This case has drawn significant attention due to its shocking nature and the prolonged manhunt for Bellaire. His capture and subsequent conviction bring some closure to Cook’s family and the community.

As this story develops, authorities are expected to release more information regarding the sentencing and potential appeals. Stay tuned for updates on this urgent case as it continues to unfold.