Staff Report / April 20, 2026
An update has been released in the investigation into the death of a Farmington man found inside a Geneva motel room, with authorities now confirming a murder charge.
According to the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, 29-year-old Julius Ware IV, of Geneva, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of 37-year-old Emmanuel Richelieu.
Investigators allege that Ware intentionally caused Richelieu’s death at the America’s Best Value Inn, located along Routes 5 and 20 in the Town of Geneva.
The case began as a missing persons investigation on April 17, when Richelieu’s family reported they had not heard from him in two days. Authorities later used cellphone tracking to locate his phone at the motel, prompting a search of the property.
During that search, deputies—assisted by K-9 units and other resources—discovered Richelieu deceased inside a motel room registered to Ware.
Ware, who had initially been identified as a person of interest, was taken into custody shortly after the discovery. He was arraigned Monday and has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Officials report that Richelieu suffered multiple traumatic injuries. An autopsy has been conducted by the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the exact cause of death.
Ware is currently being held without bail as the case moves forward. A preliminary hearing is expected later this week.
