crime

The family of Ray Morgan misses him every day, said daughter Raelee Morgan in an interview earlier this week, which is making it so hard to wait for justice in his murder case.

Batavia PD has a person of interest and that person is being held in the Genesee County Jail on an unrelated charge, but until the State Police lab reports back on the results of DNA tests from the crime scene it would be premature to try and charge that person with murder, said Chief Shawn Heubusch.

Raelee said members of the family don't feel the case is moving fast enough nor is much information being shared with the family.

"I'm not sure what they're looking for but we're doing everything we can to prepare a case to present to a grand jury," Heubusch said. "The worst thing that can happen is we present a case and the grand jury returns a no bill, then we're done. We can't present the case again."

Heubusch said the State Police lab is cooperative and has expedited the case but it still takes time to get results.

He also said investigator's sisters communicate regularly with Raelee's sister, Faith, but the police cannot release all of the information they have because there is information, if made public, that could compromise the investigation.

The 47-year-old Morgan, who besides two daughters, had seven grandchildren, was reportedly badly beaten in the attack.

Heubusch sounded a little exasperated at one point to even be talking about the case publicly.

"When you go on social media or you go to the media and start talking, it hurts the case," Heubusch said. "You could put something out there that makes it harder to get a conviction."

Raelee said the family just wants justice and they don't want the public to remember him as a person who had a criminal record but as a man who was a kind, loving family man, and friend to many people. She said everything he did, even the things that got him into trouble, was to help other people.

"He was the type of guy that no matter who you are what you've done in the past, he will give you the shirt off his back," Raelee said. "If he had 10 dollars in his pocket he would give it to you if you needed it. He was an amazing guy. He really was."

She's also upset that after Morgan's murder the night of July 24 at 111 Liberty St., Batavia, that once police left his apartment, the room was left open. Morgan's belongings disappeared, she said, and a neighbor posted gruesome, bloody pictures on Facebook.

Raelee blames the police.

"I would like to find a lawyer for the wrongdoings of the Batavia Police Department handling his crime scene because, like I said, his crime scene was not taped off; his crime scene was completely opened up," Raelee said. "Myself and my sister only received three bags of bloody clothes -- all the rest of his belongings were thrown away."

The day after the murder, Heubusch told The Batavian that once investigators finish processing a crime scene, the property is turned over to the property owner and the owner from that point is responsible for securing the scene. As a matter of Constitutional law, the police cannot maintain control of private property once it has finished processing the crime scene.

The Batavian's news partner, 13WHAM contributed to this story.

Steven A. Barclay, 32, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon -- defaced for concealment. He was arrested at 7 p.m. on Aug. 16 on Apollo Drive in Batavia for allegedly stealing from his employer. While investigating the larceny, it was discovered that Barclay also allegedly possessed a defaced, illegal firearm. He was arraigned in City Court and put in Genesee County Jail. He was due in court on Aug. 22. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Devin L. Stevenson, 26, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with open burn. On Aug. 19 at 10:32 p.m. City fire responded to 411 Ellicott St. where they located a recreational fire where plastic was being burned. Stevenson was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 28 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Julie R. Ewing, 29, of Mill Street, Akron, is charged with: DWI; DWI -- operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or higher; driving left of pavement markings; and failure to signal. Ewing was arrested at 3:06 a.m. today (Aug. 24) on Bloomingdale Road in the Tonawanda Indian Reservation following a traffic stop. She was arraigned in Alabama Town Court and jailed in lieu of $1,000 cash bail or $2,500 bond. She is due back in court on Sept. 6 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor, assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Ronnie J. Flinchum, 59, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested Aug. 20 on an active bench warrant out of City Court. Flinchum was located at an acquaintance's residence on West Main Street in Batavia during an unrelated incident. During the investigation, the bench warrant was discovered. The defendant was taken into custody without incident, arraigned, then jailed in lieu of $1,500 cash bail or $2,500 bond. Flinchum is due in court at a later date. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Kyle Krtanik, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Mikia M. Thomas, 30, of Norton Street, Rochester, was arrested at 9:33 a.m. on Aug. 22 for failing to appear in court on two traffic tickets. The tickets were for aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and inadequate or no stop lamps. Thomas was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance. She is to return to court on Sept. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Jason Davis.

Taylor L. Finnin, 25, of South Swan Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant Aug. 22 for failure to show up for court after being served an appearance ticket on a previous charge. After being processed at BPD, Finnin was issued another appearance ticket and is due back in court on Aug. 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

David P. Grossman, 35, of State Street, Batavia, was arrested Aug. 23 on a bench warrant for allegedly failing to appear in City Court for sentencing. After arraignment, he was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court on Sept. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Pavel V. Yefremenko, 30, of Broadway Road, Darien, was arrested on Aug. 23 on a bench warrant out of City Court after he allegedly failed to meet requirements of his release. He was arraigned, held on bail, and was due in City Court this morning. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Cowen Mitchell.

Tyler D. Price, 25, of Ross Street, Batavia, was arrested at 9:21 p.m. on Aug. 22 on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court. It is alleged Price failed to comply with a court-ordered program. The defendant was arraigned in City Court and jailed in lieu of $100,000 cash or bond. Price was due in court Thursday (Aug. 23). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.

Kaylynn C. Buchinger, 19, of Judge Road, Alabama, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Buchinger was arrested on South Jackson Street in the City of Batavia at 10:43 p.m. on Aug. 22 after police investigated a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot. The defendant was allegedly found to be in possession at marijuana. She is due in City Court Sept. 4 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Peter Flanagan.

Christina Louise Wass, 45, of McKenzie Street, Bergen, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. She was arrested at 8 p.m. on Aug. 21 following a complaint in the Village of Bergen. It is alleged that Wass had a minor under age 17 in her care and custody and that she left the child alone without proper supervision, and that child was under age 5. She was arraigned in Town of Le Roy Court and jailed in lieu of $1,000 cash bail or $3,000 bond. She is due in Town of Bergen Court on Sept. 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Howard Wilson, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.

John David Meiler, 33, of Reinhardt Road, Alden, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; DWI; and operating a vehicle withcKeout an ignition interlock device. On Aug. 21 at about 7:48 p.m., Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to 358 Bloomingdale Road in Alabama for a property damage accident. Meiler, whose driver's license has been revoked, was arrested at the scene on the charges. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Town of Alabama Court on Sept. 26. The case was handled by Deputy Erik Andre.

Mark David Humel, 26, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with: driving while ability impaired (DWAI); aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; DWAI -- combined drugs and alcohol; used a vehicle not equipped with an ignition interlock device; and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. On Aug. 20 at about 3:37 p.m., Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to 8330 Lewiston Road in the Town of Batavia for a report of a property damage accident. Following an investigation, Humel, whose driver's license is revoked, was arrested on the charges. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Town of Batavia Court on Sept. 24. The case was investigated by Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Deputy Howard Wilson.

Marshall A. Silvernail, 31, of Asbury Road, Le Roy, was arrested on Aug. 12 for trespass, a violation. Le Roy Police Department responded to a residence located in the Village in the early morning hours of July 29 after receiving a complaint that there was an unwanted subject on the property. Upon arrival, patrols allegedly located Silvernail on the property attempting to enter the premises. After a brief investigation, it is believed that Silvernail had previously been told he was not allowed on the property and charges were later brought for his arrest. He was due in Le Roy Town Court Aug. 13 to answer the charge.

Ramon S. Gilliam, 43, of Main Street, Le Roy, was arrested on Aug. 16  by the Le Roy Police Department and with charged with attempted identity theft in the third degree, a Class B misdemeanor. This charge stemmed from a complaint that officers received and after an investigation it is alleged that Gilliam did in fact, attempt such crime. Gilliam was taken into custody and processed without incident and issued an appearance ticket for Sept. 20 in Le Roy Town Court to answer the charge.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Miranda Lambert Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Thursday:

Monica W. Granata, 54 of Old French Road, West Seneca, is charged with two counts of harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching, kicking and biting two Live Nation security officers while being ejected from the concert.

Christine M. Klafehn, 53 of High Street, Holley, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Lilliam L. Klafehn, 19 of High Street, Holley, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Candido Candelaria III, 26, of East State Street, Albion, is charged with: felony DWI; felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater; first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation; consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle; following too closely; driver's view obstructed; and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Candelaria was reportedly involved in an accident at 12:12 p.m., Thursday, on Clinton Street Road, Le Roy, which was investigated by Deputy Kevin Forsyth. Candelaria reportedly has two DWI convictions in the past 10 years.

Mikhail Alexander MacPherson, 35, of Gully Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, menacing, 3rd, and unlawful imprisonment, 2nd. MacPherson allegedly prevented a victim from calling for emergency assistance or leaving a residence during a dispute reported at 12:32 a.m. Friday on Gully Road, Le Roy.

A male victim of an assault is at the Pok-A-Dot restaurant on Ellicott Street in the City of Batavia. No word on how the alleged attack occurred. City police and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 8:07 p.m.: The victim was punched once; he is being interviewed by police.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is investigating a personal injury accident which occurred on today at approximately 9:15 a.m. The accident reportedly occurred at the traffic circle and involved a bicyclist being struck by a sports utility vehicle.

Anyone with information in reference to the case may contact Officer Kyle Krtanik at the Batavia Police Department at 585-345-6350, the confidential tip line at 585-345-6370 or online. 

UPDATE: Additional information:

A female in her early 20s was riding her bicycle in the roundabout when she was struck by a gold SUV operated by a male believed to be in his 30s with short blond hair. The female sustained only minor injuries and was treated at a local medical facility. The vehicle then left the scene.

Dustin Wayne Bogue, 36, no permanent address, is charged with: second-degree attempted assault -- attempt to cause injury to officer/fireman/EMT/hospital staff; criminal mischief, intentionally damaging property; and third-degree criminal tampering. Bogue was arrested at 3:01 p.m. on Aug. 7 after he allegedly initiated a physical altercation with Mercy EMS paramedics at UMMC. He was arraigned and jailed without bail and will appear in City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Frank Klimjack.

Kelly M. Howell, 32, of Monclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: endangering the welfare of a child; possession of a hypodermic instrument; second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia; and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. The charges stem from an incident 6:07 p.m. on Aug. 14 in which narcotics and narcotics equipment were allegedly found inside this female's residence on Monclair Avenue, where three children under the age of 17 had the ability to gain access to them. Howell was jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash or bond and was due in City Court on Aug. 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.

Robert M. Sindon, 37, of West Genesee Street, Clyde, is charged with: DWI -- with a BAC of .08 percent or more; DWI; Leandra's Law DWI -- passenger less than 16 years of age. Sindon was stopped at 5:37 p.m. on Aug. 6 on East Main Street in Batavia following an investigation into a traffic complaint. It was alleged that he was driving a vehicle while intoxicated with two children under age 15 as passengers. He was jailed without bail and was due in City Court on Aug. 7. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Kevin M. McCoy, 51, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: third-degree criminal mischief -- property damage greater than $250; second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia; and second-degree harassment -- physical contact. McCoy was arrested on East Main Street in Batavia on Aug. 13. Police were called to an address there at 12:38 a.m. after McCoy allegedly broke an apartment window. McCoy had fled the scene but showed back up there awhile later. After attempting to elude police again, he was eventually apprehended and arrested. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed without bail. He is due in court again on Aug. 23. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Paul J. Doctor, 40, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th; second-degree criminal use of durg paraphernalia; unlawful possession of marijuana; and speeding. He was arrested at 10:15 p.m. Aug. 5 on Clinton Street in Batavia following a traffic stop for speeding. He was allegedly found to be in possession of a crack pipe, chore boy, plunger with drug residue and marijuana. He was due in City Court on Aug. 14. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Jason M. Frens, 47, of Griffin Road, Basom, is charged with second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Frens was arrested on the charges following a traffic stop at 10:15 p.m. on Aug. 5 on Clinton Street in Batavia. He was a passenger in the vehicle that was stopped and allegedly was found to be in possession of a crack pipe, chore boy, and plunger with drug residue. He was due in City Court on Aug. 14. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Andrew M. Cerrillo, 27, of Stony Point Road, Grand Island, is charged with: felony DWI -- previous conviction offense within 10 years; speeding; no turn signal; and expired 2017 10-day inspection. He was arrested at 3:35 p.m. on Aug. 14 on Main Road in Stafford after he was stopped for speeding. He was jailed on $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. John Baiocco, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Alexandria Claire Pisarek, 25, of Maple Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. She was arrested at 5:08 p.m. on Aug. 15 following a transport to GC Jail. She was allegedly found to be in possession of 20 small bags of heroin. She is due in City Court to answer the charge on Oct. 16. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Patrick S. Rumble, 31, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is accused of first-degree criminal contempt, third-degree robbery, and fourth-degree grand larceny. Rumble was arrested then arraigned in City Court on Aug. 9. He was arrested on a warrant for the charges. On Aug. 1, he allegedly stole a cell phone from an individual's hand and that person had a stay away order of protection against Rumble. During the course of the crime, Rumble allegedly pushed and struck the victim, all in violation of the court order. He was jailed in lieu of $5,000 cash and $10,000 bond and was due in court today (Aug. 16). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Jeffrey Michael Johnson, 30, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 8:18 p.m. on Aug. 5 at 101 Jackson St. in Batavia after he allegedly pushed a female during an incident. He was due in City Court on Aug. 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Andrew J. Duckworth, 39, of Monclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt and fouth-degree criminal mischief. Duckworth was arrested at 6:04 p.m. on Aug. 13 following a domestic incident on Montclair Avenue in which he allegedly damaged property and violated a court order of protection. He was jailed without bail and was due in City Court on Aug. 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Ahdeosun R. Aiken, 20, of Ellicott Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. At 8:19 p.m. on Aug. 3 Aiken was arrested on Walnut Street in Batavia for allegedly violating a stay away order of protection. He is accused of being at the protected party's residence during an incident. He was released on his own recognizance and was due in City Court on Aug. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Carrie L. Hensley, 41, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with: DWI; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree; and DWI with a BAC or .08 percent or more. She was arrested at 12:16 a.m. on Aug. 13 on Central Avenue in Batavia after she was allegedly found to have driven a motor vehicle while intoxicated. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in City Court on Aug. 22. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Steven D. Clattenburg, 58, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: not wearing a seat belt; DWI; DWI -- with a BAC or .08 percent or more; and unlawful possession of marijuana. Clattenburg was arrested at 7:37 p.m. on Jefferson Avenue in Batavia following a traffic stop for no seat belt. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in City Court on Aug. 22. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.

Kyle A. Scheuerlein, 25, Leyland Lane, Aurora, Ill., is charged with: DWI -- first offense; refusal to take a breath test; and failure to stop at stop sign. He was arrested at 1:16 a.m. on Clinton Street in Batavia on Aug. 4. He was issued tickets and released. He is due in court on Aug. 22. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

James R. Tillery, 46, of Farwell Drive, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment -- physical contact. He was arrested at 1 a.m. on Aug. 11 on Farwell Drive following an incident in which he allegedly struck someone. He was issued an appearance ticket and was due in City Court on Aug. 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Justin T. Gladney, 29, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 4:30 p.m. on East Main Street in Batavia and is accused of stealing a bicycle. He was issued an appearance ticket and was due in City Court on Aug. 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Austin B. Nelson, 22, of Thomas Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. At 7 p.m. on July 5, he allegedly stole money from the place of business where he was employed on East Main Street, Batavia. He was arrested and issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 28. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Isaiah James Alfred Munroe, 28, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested following the investigation into an allegation that he damaged a door to a residence on Liberty Street in the city at 4:45 p.m. on Aug. 11. He was processed at police headquarters, issued a computer-generated appearance ticket and released. He was due in City Court on Aug. 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice, assisted by Officer Matthew Lutey.

Danny D. Williams, 29, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. He was arrested at 8:34 p.m. on Aug. 10 at 107 Watson St. in Batavia. His arrest came after a disturbance on Watson Street; Williams allegedly would not disperse and continued to attempt to fight another male at the location. Williams is due in City Court on Aug. 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Dylan Richard Brandt, 25, of Larrowe Street, Cohocton, is charged with trespass. He was arrested at 8:15 p.m. on Aug. 11 at Darien Lake Theme Park after he allegedly reentered the park after having been ejected for shoplifting merchandise from a gift shop. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

A 17-year-old resident of Le Roy is charged with second-degree harassment following an incident on Main Street in Batavia at 6:14 p.m. on July 13. It is alleged that this female engaged in a physical altercation with a subject at a restaurant. She was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on Aug. 22. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

A 17-year-old who resides on Sheridan Road in Bergen Riga is charged with being in Austin Park on Jefferson Avenue in the City of Batavia after hours. The female was issued a ticket at 11:47 p.m. on Aug. 2 and is due in City Court on Aug. 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.

A 16-year-old resident of Batavia was arrested for littering at 7:46 a.m. on West Main Street in Batavia. The male allegedly dumped garbage onto property at the Speedway and did not pick it up after he was asked to do so by store employees. He was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 21 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Det. Eric Hill, assisted by Officer Frank Klimjack.

Two 17-year-old males who resident on Pearl Street in Batavia are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The charges stem from an investigation into a vehicle located in a city park after hours. It is alleged the two males had marijuana in their possession at the time -- 8:49 p.m. on Aug. 9. Both were issued appearance tickets and are due in City Court on Aug. 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

All across America, there is a shortage of rural doctors. That problem is expected to only get worse as doctors born during the Baby Boom retire with greater frequency in the coming years.

New York isn't immune. A recent survey of the state's hospitals by Healthcare Association of New York found that Upstate needs 615 more doctors.

Connor Lynskey, the 18-year-old resident of Hinckley, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Darien on Saturday, was well aware of Upstate's doctor shortage, which is why he decided to attend medical school and become a rural doctor.

He had already been accepted into Upstate Medical University, according to Don Lynskey, his brother-in-law. Connor Lynskey was planning to attend Siena in the fall as part of a dual-admissions program to undergrad study and medical school for students committed to becoming rural doctors. His brother, Don said, is in the third year of the same program.

In his admissions essay about his plans, Lynskey said the difficulty his sister had in getting a correct diagnosis for Type I Diabetes in Utica inspired his career choice.

"Her struggle to find a local treatment center motivates me to become a rural physician," Lynskey wrote. "Pursuing this goal, I began a shadowing program at Rome Hospital to achieve insight regarding my future job. I was able to shadow the Emergency Room, Radiology Unit, Intensive Care Unit, and Pediatrics. Each day, I attempted to absorb the knowledge presented while becoming increasingly involved in the care of patients. With my newfound knowledge, I now prepare to conquer the obstacles that await me on the road to becoming a physician."

Friday evening Lynskey attended the Jason Aldean concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center with friends and family. After the concert, the group walked back to their campsite at Darien Lakes State Park, taking Sumner Road. At some point, Lynskey decided to run ahead to catch up with his friend.

On the dark, hilly road, nobody in the group saw what happened next. Lynskey was hit by a car whose driver didn't stop to help or call police. When the group reached their campsite and Lynskey wasn't there, they contacted the State Park Police who notified the Sheriff's Office. Officers patrolled the area, including Sumner Road but nobody saw Lynskey or any scene of a problem.

Perhaps 30 minutes later, a woman, Jennifer L. Serrano, 48, of Charles Street, Irving, was driving on Route 77 in Darien and her car nearly struck a marked patrol car. A deputy stopped her and wound up charging her with DWI.

The next morning, Deputy Richard Schildwaster, checking Sumner Road, found debris in the roadway and when he got out of his vehicle and looked around, he found Lynskey's body in a ditch.

Serrano, who had been released on bail on the DWI charge, was identified as the suspect and was arrested in Amherst, her vehicle was seized, and she has been charged with vehicular manslaughter in the second degree and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident. She is being held on $100,000 bail or $200,000 bond.

The Batavian's news partner, 13WHAM contributed to this story.

The driver in an alleged fatal hit-and-run accident on Sumner Road in Darien just after midnight Saturday was later arrested for DWI after her car nearly hit a marked Sheriff's patrol vehicle at 1 a.m. on Route 77.

It's estimated that the hit-and-run victim, 18-year-old Connor Lynskey, of Hinckley, was struck at about 12:30 a.m.

Jennifer L. Serrano, 48, of Charles Street, Irving, was identified as a suspect based on a tip received by the Sheriff's Office after news of Lynskey's death was reported.

Serrano is charged with vehicular manslaughter in the second degree and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident. She is being held on $100,000 bail or $200,000 bond.

Lynskey attended the Jason Aldean concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday evening with family and friends. The group was camping at Darien Lakes State Park. After the concert, some members of the group started to walk back to the state park together and at some point, Lynskey reportedly decided to run ahead and catch up with a friend.

Upon returning to the park, the group realized Lynskey had not returned to the campsite so State Park Police were contacted.

State Park Police officers and Sheriff's deputies commenced a search of the area but did not locate Lynskey. The Sheriff's office reports deputies continued to patrol the area throughout the night, keeping an eye out for Lynskey.

The next morning, members of the group reported to State Park Police that perhaps they had heard a crash on the Sumner Road, which has a couple of dips and hills along the way, while walking back to the park in the dark of the night.

At 11:51 a.m., Saturday, Deputy Richard Schildwaster found vehicle debris in the roadway on Sumner Road and upon further investigation found Lynskey's body in a ditch along the roadway.

Investigators were able to determine the type of vehicle involved based on the debris.

Following her arrest on DWI in connection with the Alleghany Road incident at 1 a.m., about 30 minutes after the estimated time Lynskey was struck on Sumner Road, Serrano was arraigned in Darien Town Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail. A few hours later, she posted bail.

Through information developed during the investigation, the Sheriff's Office determined that Serrano was at a relative's residence in Amherst and obtained a search warrant for her vehicle. Her vehicle was seized and she was taken into custody.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Rob Zombie concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sunday:

Scott E. Staubitz, 36, of Union Road, Cheektowaga, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, after allegedly being found in possession of Suboxone and LSD. Staubitz was arraigned in Darien Town Court and released. Staubitz was turned over to Cheektowaga Police on an outstanding warrant in Cheektowaga.

Brock A. Hathaway, 26, of Davidge Street, Coudersport, Pa., is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Hathaway was arraigned in Darien Town Court and jailed in lieu of $150 bail.

Christopher C. Crum, 52 of Maple Street, Rochester, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Ashley M. Whittaker, 26 of Kensington Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with false personation after allegedly providing a false name to police officers.

Antonio Diego Dames, 42, of Knowlesville Road, Oakfield, is charged with: DWI; driving with a BAC of .18 or greater; aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st; driving without an interlock device; and moving from lane unsafely. Dames was arrested following an investigation by Deputy Travis DeMuth into a one-car accident reported at 4:28 p.m. Thursday on Lewiston Road in Alabama.

Yahaira Ann-Marie Brown-Diaz, 19, of Bethany Center Road, Bethany, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, unlawful possession of marijuana, and speeding. Brown-Diaz was stopped at 8:28 a.m. Friday on Maple Avenue, Bergen, by Deputy Ryan DeLong. Brown-Diaz was transported to the Sheriff's Office where she was evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert.

Genna Lynn Miller, 33, of Center Street, East Aurora, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, failure to comply with traffic control officer, and failure to keep right. Miller was stopped at 12:16 a.m. Saturday on Alleghany Road, Darien, by Deputy Patrick Reeves after her vehicle's mirror allegedly struck a traffic control officer in the arm.

Matthew Paul Sunseri, 33, of Harlem Road, Rochester, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Sunseri was charged following an investigation by Deputy Mathew Clor into a disturbance reported at 10:50 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot of Darien Lake Theme Park.

A 17-year-old resident of Buffalo is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was allegedly found in possession of marijuana by State Police in the Village of Corfu at 11:05 a.m. on Aug. 5.

Walter B. Hale, 65, of Oakfield, is charged with: felony DWI; felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater; failure to keep right; and moving from lane unsafely. Hale was stopped by State Police at 1:40 a.m. Sunday on Route 98 in Elba.

Casandra E. Holloway, 25, of Newfane, is charged with: DWI; driving with a BAC of .08 or greater; no headlights; failure to keep right; moving from lane unsafely and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Holloway was stopped by State Police at 11:01 p.m. Friday on Colby Road, Darien.

Scott P. Rammacher, 42, of Lockport, is charged with DWI and impeding traffic. Rammacher was stopped by State Police at 6:35 p.m. Thursday on Route 77, Darien, for allegedly driving too slow.

Christian A. Dangelo, 28, of Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Dangelo was stopped by State Police at 9:44 p.m. Thursday on Route 33, Bergen.

Kyle J. Howard, 29, of Basom, is charged with criminal trespass. Howard was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident reported at 1:30 p.m., Aug. 6.  No further details released.

The Sheriff's Office has made an arrest in a fatal hit-and-run accident on Sumner Road, Darien, on Friday night after the Jason Aldean concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.

Jennifer L. Serrano, 48, of Charles Street, Irving, is charged with vehicular manslaughter in the second degree and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

The Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant early this morning in Amherst and seized the vehicle they believe Serrano was driving when it struck Connor Lynskey, 18, of Hinckley.

Lynskey was camping with a group of people who attended the Aldean concert and they were walking back to Darien Lakes State Park on Sumner Road when he decided to run ahead and catch up with a friend.

None of the group apparently saw what happened. 

When they got back to the state park, they contact State Park Police because Lynskey had not returned. Park Police and deputies search the area but did not locate Lynskey.

At 11:51 a.m., Saturday, during another search of Sumner Road, Deputy Richard Schildwaster found Lynskey's body in a ditch at the side of the road.

Serrano was jailed on $100,000 bail or $200,000 bond.

Christopher Parker was the lead investigator on the case.

An 18-year-old resident of Hinckley was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver last night on Sumner Road in Darien, though his body was not discovered until late this morning.

At 12:30 a.m., the Sheriff's Office was notified by State Park Police that a member of a group of people staying at Darien Lakes State Park had not returned to the park from a concert at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.

Apparently, Connor Lynskey was on Sumner Road about 12:30 a.m. walking back to the group's campsite after Jason Aldean concert with a portion of the group he was camping with when he decided to run ahead and catch up with a friend.

After being notified that Lynskey was missing, deputies and troopers searched the roadways in the area but did not locate Lynskey. 

State Park Police conducted interviews this morning with members of the group and developed information that they might have heard a collision on Sumner Road while walking back to their campsite.

With the additional information, State Park Police and Deputy Richard Schildwaster were able to locate the victim.

He was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Karen Lang. His body was transported the Monroe County Medical Examiner's office for an autopsy.

There is no description available of the vehicle that hit Lynskey.

Anyone with information that may assist in the investigation is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at (585) 345-3000.

Assisting at the scene were the Darien Volunteer Fire Department, State Park Police, and State Police. The investigation is ongoing by Schildwaster, Investigator Chris Parker, the Crash Management Team, and Sgt. Jason Saile.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Jason Aldean concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday:

Robert A. Maharrey, 23, of County Road 149, Oklona, Miss., is charged with assault on a police officer after head-butting a deputy in the face breaking the deputy's nose. Maharrey was arraigned in Darien Town Court and jailed in lieu of $25,000 bail. Additional charges are pending.

Fredrick C. M. Dugan, 22, of Ward Road, Wayland, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering Darien Lake property after being ejected and told not to return. Dugan was arraigned in Darien Town Court and jailed in lieu of $250 bail.

Brycen A. Thoms, 21 of Valen Court, Wellend, Ontario, Canada, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Thoms was arraigned in Darien Town Court and jailed in lieu of $250 bail.

Travis R. Bennett, 26, of Ch Lariviere L’isle-Allumettes, Ontario Canada, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly climbing over a fence to enter the concert venue. Bennett was arraigned in Darien Town Court and jailed in lieu of $250 bail.

Stephen T. Imposimato, 21, of Whispering Hill Road, Woburn, Mass., is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, after allegedly smashing a window of another person’s car. Imposimato was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $250 bail.

Alexander C. Schweitzer, 21, of Towers Boulevard, Cheektowaga, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly entering the concert venue through a back gate without permission. Schweitzer was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $250 bail.

Arthur J. Baker, 53, of Sparks Road, Arcade, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Marcus J. Haefner, 25, of Middle Road, Rush, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Shauna C. Lennon, 26, of Klemer Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Tyler S. Stroud, 22, of South Maple Street, Warsaw, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to enter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Antonio M. Donoso, 25, of Victor Drive, Rochester, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to enter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Jacob H. Tillotson, 18, of Walker Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence to enter the concert venue.

Wes S. Snyder, 31, of Kendall Road, Holley, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing a Live Nation medic several times.

Brady F. Metcalf, 19, of Shelly Road, Livonia, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly punching another patron in the face while exiting the concert.

Aaron T. Mills, 26, of Elm Street, Canisteo, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly pushing another patron while exiting the concert venue.

Press release:

Democratic leaders called on Rep. Chris Collins (NY 27) to resign immediately, in the wake of his announcement that he was suspending his reelection campaign. They also decried the corrupt process of suddenly removing him from the ballot, long after the deadline for changing the ballot had come and gone.

Once again, the Republican establishment of NY 27 is making the interests of the voters play second fiddle to the desires of their own party to retain a stranglehold on power, no matter what. Jamie Romeo, Monroe County Democratic Chair, noted that "Chris Collins has been under an ethical cloud for over a year -- under a congressional ethics investigation -- but the Republican leaders thought it was just fine to have him on the ballot until a few days ago. It's only when they figured out that this seat was in jeopardy that they decided Chris Collins had to go."

Judith Hunter, the Livingston County Democratic chair, said "Republican bosses are absolutely taking the voters of NY 27 for granted again. The federal ballot is set; at least one county in the district has already printed them. But these arrogant power brokers think this seat is theirs to play with and have come up with a corrupt, legalistic sleight of hand without any input from the voters of NY 27. It's shameful."

Michael Plitt, the Genesee County Democratic chair, asked the obvious questions: "If Chris Collins' arrest is serious enough to make him suspend his campaign, why isn't it serious enough to make him resign? We're going to be saddled with a lame duck representative under criminal indictment who has been stripped of his committee assignment and any power in Congress, for what? His arrogant ego? It's a disgrace."

Michelle Schoeneman, of East Aurora, founder of Citizens Against Collins, says she is absolutely outraged: "The arrogance of Chris Collins insisting he is going to serve his term out is beyond belief. And the arrogance of the Republican bosses thinking they can just wave a magic wand and replace him on the ballot is equally outrageous."

"We Democrats are fortunate to have Nate McMurray as our candidate for NY 27," said Jeanne Crane, the Democratic chair of Orleans County. "We know he's going to put the interests of the voters first, whatever he does. He cares about the hard-working middle-class people of this district need, not what shady power brokers want."

The tweet that changed the complexion of the NY-27 congressional race had barely reached all of the followers of @repchriscollins before Republicans with aspirations to serve in Congress started declaring their interest in replacing Rep. Chris Collins on the GOP line of the November ballot.

Dick Siebert, chair of the GOP in Genesee County, said he's already heard from three candidates, including two from Batavia -- Steve Hawley and David Bellavia.

It will be up to the county chairs in the NY-27 -- given that the primary season is already past and it's less than three months to Election Day -- to pick whose name goes on the R line instead of Collins.

That is if a legal way can be found to get the incumbent's name off the ballot. Possibilities include, or so we are told, finding another elected office to appoint Collins to, such as a judgeship, or having Collins declare permanent residency in Florida.

"My reaction?" Siebert said when asked for his reaction to Collins suspending his campaign. "I was relieved that he did it. It was the right thing to do."

This morning, well before Collins announced he was getting out of the race, The Batavian interviewed Michael Caputo, a GOP political consultant from Buffalo and a close ally of President Donald Trump. Caputo talked at length about all the ways Collins staying in the race harmed Republicans and threatened the very survival of Trump's presidency.

"The scandal and prosecution are in small but profound ways a bad reflection on the president," Caputo said. "I don't think Chris Collins will ever darken the doorstep of the Oval Office again."

The president, Caputo said, learned a powerful lesson when he looked past allegations against Judge Roy Moore in the run-up to his Alabama Senate race about the Republican candidate's reputation for chasing teenage girls. 

Caputo said the closer he gets to Collins at this point, the greater the risk it will blow back in his face and he doesn't want a repeat of the Roy Moore fiasco.

"The president is inclined to look past mere partisan allegations because he weathers so many of those himself, but this 30-page indictment of the wealthy trying to preserve their wealth, it's a terrible look in the New York 27th, where the vast majority of voters are low to middle class on the economic scale," Caputo said.

It was Caputo who first introduced Trump to Collins in 2014 when Trump was considering a run for governor. Collins endeared himself to Trump during the 2016 campaign by being such a strong defender of Trump in television appearances but all that goodwill evaporated when Collins was arrested.

Then Collins became a liability, both because of the perception of his close proximity to the president, and because there is a recognizable danger of Republicans losing control of the House in the midterms.

"It may boil down to one or two seats," Caputo said before we knew Collins was dropping out of the race. "It may boil down to Nate McMurray and Chris Collins. If we lose control of the house, there will be impeachment proceedings, no doubt about it."

In an analysis of data about scandal-plagued incumbents running for reelection, the political prognostication site 538 gives Collins a slender 2 or 3 percentage point chance of winning the election in November.

With the race potentially cut down to a margin of two or three points, Caputo thought it would be a hard race for Collins to win without an energized base. He was already seeing rank-and-file party leadership peeling away from Collins since his arrest.

Collins would not be able to run an effective campaign without squarely addressing the allegations, which at his Wednesday press conference he was unwilling to do, Caputo said. Every time he appeared in public, the press would be there and the lasting image, if Collins wouldn't answer questions, would be of him running away from reporters.

And his own supporters wouldn't have been willing to defend him, then, in their neighbor-to-neighbor conversations.

"One by one, they (would) drop away and in the end, he (wouldn't) have the people to mount an effective get-out-the-vote effort," Caputo said.

That is the kind of tough-love analysis Collins probably heeded when he said in his withdrawal statement, "After extensive discussions with my family and my friends over the last few days, I have decided that it is in the best interests of the constituents of NY-27, the Republican Party and President Trump’s agenda for me to suspend my campaign for reelection to Congress."

The process for picking GOP congressional candidates for the GLOW region is heavily weighted toward Erie County and that process over the past decades has given us: Tom Reynolds, who retired under a cloud of scandals involving Rep. Mark Foley and the treasurer of National Republican Congressional Committee while Reynolds was chair; Chris Lee, who resigned after he was reportedly trolling for transgender women on Craigslist; and now, Chris Collins, accused of insider trading.

It's too soon to know if there are other GLOW-based candidates who might be interested in the seat beside Hawley and Bellavia, but there are Hawley and Bellavia. 

Steve Hawley, a six-term member of the state Assembly, was born and raised in Batavia, is a farmer, local business owner and was a member of the Ohio Army National Guard and the United States Army Reserves.

"Collins has suspended his campaign, whatever that means, but it's not clear if that means his name stays on the ballot or there may be some way to get his name off the ballot," Hawley said. "If that were to occur, I am proud to continue serving and helping people at any level of government and this is something I will look at if it comes up and certainly make a strong push for it."

David Bellavia was born and raised in Buffalo but is a longtime resident of Batavia. He is an American Iraq War veteran who was awarded the Silver Star for his actions during the Second Battle of Fallujah, along with other military awards and honors. He is currently a talk show cohost on WBEN. He lost a 2012 primary race to Collins, though he beat Collins in every county but Erie and Niagara.

"This is something I've dedicated 10 years of my life to doing," Bellavia said. "I'm committed myself since 2012  to correct my deficiencies in Erie and Niagara counties. I'm ready to run."

Previously:

• Chris Collins suspends campaign for Congress
• For area GOP chairs, uncertainty hangs over NY-27 race after arrest of Chris Collins
• Collins has reportedly used campaign funds to pay legal fees amidst ethics and criminal investigations
• In criminal indictment, Collins accused of lying to FBI about substance of conversation with his son while on phone at White House
• Collins mum on substance of insider trading charges, refuses to take questions at press conference
• Reform candidate for NY-27 responds to arrest of Chris Collins
• SEC complaint against Collins reveals alleged insider trading saved sellers $768,600
• McMurray responds to arrest of Rep. Chris Collins
• Chris Collins reportedly indicted by federal grand jury on insider trading charges

Rep. Chris Collins announced this morning that he has dropped out of the race for the NY-27 congressional seat.

“After extensive discussions with my family and my friends over the last few days, I have decided that it is in the best interest of the constituents of NY-27, the Republican Party and President Trump’s agenda for me to suspend my campaign for reelection to Congress,” he wrote in a statement posted on his official Twitter account.

Collins was arrested Wednesday morning on federal charges of securities fraud, wire fraud, and lying to the FBI.

UPDATE: The congressman's press office just issued this statement:

"Democrats are laser-focused on taking back the House, electing Nancy Pelosi Speaker and then launching impeachment proceedings against President Trump. They would like nothing more than to elect an 'Impeach Trump' Democrat in this District, which is something that neither our country or my party can afford.  

After extensive discussions with my family and my friends over the last few days, I have decided that it is in the best interests of the constituents of NY-27, the Republican Party and President Trump’s agenda for me to suspend my campaign for reelection to Congress.  

I will fill out the remaining few months of my term to assure that our community maintains its vote in Congress to support President Trump’s agenda to create jobs, eliminate regulations, reduce the size of government, address immigration and lower taxes.

I will also continue to fight the meritless charges brought against me and I look forward to having my good name cleared of any wrongdoing.”

Plush Dozier, AKA Plush Kevin Dozier, is indicted for the crime of first-degree arson, a Class A-1 felony. It is alleged that on the night of June 15 or the early morning of June 16 that he intentionally damaged a building -- a residence on Maple Street in the City of Batavia -- by causing a fire. This fire caused serious physical injury to another person, who was present and not a participant in the crime, and the defendant allegedly knew the person's presence inside the residence was a reasonable possibility. In count two, Dozier is accused of second-degree attempted murder, a Class B felony. It is alleged in count two that at the time of the crime, Dozier acted with intent to commit murder in the second degree -- to intentionally cause the death of another person -- and engaged in conduct to that end.

Torrence C. Greene is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Feb. 2 in the City of Batavia that Greene knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug -- cocaine -- with intent to sell it. In count two, he is accused of the same crime for allegedly knowingly and unlawfully possessing one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures or substances containing cocaine that had an aggregate weight of one-half ounce or more.

Michael J. Mawn is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on May 14 in the Town of Stafford that Mawn drove a 2000 Jeep Cherokee on Route 33 knowing or having reason to know that his driver's license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities. It is further alleged that he did so while under the influence of alcohol. In count two, he is accused of DWI, as a misdemeanor, for allegedly driving while intoxicated on that day. In count three, Mawn is accused of driving while ability impaired by alcohol for allegedly driving that day while his ability to do so was impaired by the consumption of alcohol. In count four, he is accused of speeding, a vehicle and traffic law infraction, for allegedly driving in excess of the 55-mph speed limit. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney's Office, Mawn is accused of having been convicted of DWI, as a misdemeanor, on Jan. 7, 2005, in Monroe County Court and that conviction forms the basis for the suspended or revoked license referred to in count one. It further states that Mawn knew or should have known that his license was revoked because of the conviction and the revocation was still in effect when he committed the crimes alleged in the current indictment.

Gary D. Burney is indicted for the crime of bail jumping in the second degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that Burney was released from custody or allowed to remain at liberty by court order, either upon bail or his own recognizance, upon condition he would subsequently personally appear in Genesee County Court in connection with a felony charge against him. He failed to appear on Jan. 9 or voluntarily within 30 days thereafter, hence the indictment.

CNBC reported today that Federal Election Commission records show that Rep. Chris Collins has been using campaign funds to pay attorneys while under investigation for alleged insider trader acts.

The records indicate Collins has used donor money to fund up to $60,000 of his legal defense.

The payments were made to the legal firm of BakerHostetler.

The use of campaign funds to pay for legal fees is legal.

These legal fees covered the time period of two separate House probes, including one by the Office of Congressional Ethics and another by the House Ethics Committee.

A spokesman for the Collins legal team confirmed that the payments from the campaign were for the investigation by the nonpartisan Office of Congressional Ethics and an ongoing inquiry by the House Ethics Committee. Going forward, the congressman will pay for his legal bills out of his own pocket, the spokesman added.