An online fundraiser has been launched by the family of the victim in last weekend’s homicide in Geneva.
Authorities say 37-year-old Emmanuel Richelieu was reported missing on April 17. Investigators later used cell phone tracking to locate him at the America’s Best Value Inn. After searching the property, a K-9 alerted to a room where Richelieu was found dead. Officials say he suffered multiple traumatic injuries.
Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione said it appears Richelieu may have already been dead at the time he was reported missing. Investigators are continuing to work to determine why he was at the motel.
Last Sunday, 29-year-old Julius Ware the Fourth, of Geneva, was charged with second-degree murder. Authorities allege he intentionally caused Richelieu’s death.
In the days since the incident, Richelieu’s family has created an online fundraiser to help cover the cost of transporting his body back to Florida, where they plan to lay him to rest.
In a statement shared as part of the fundraiser, the family described their loss as “tragic and senseless,” saying they are still trying to process the death of a loved one taken too soon.
They remembered Richelieu as “kind” and “loving,” adding that he was “the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back” and someone who “always had a smile on his face and brought joy to everyone around him.”
The family says the costs associated with transportation and funeral arrangements have been overwhelming, and they are asking for public support through donations or by sharing the fundraiser.
