Canandaigua Stabbing, Death – Authorities in Ontario County are continuing to investigate a fatal stabbing that occurred late Thursday night in Canandaigua, New York, leaving one woman dead, one man seriously injured, and a suspect in custody. The incident has shocked the local community as investigators work to determine what led to the violence.
According to the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a residence on County Road 16, near Peg Rayburn Drive and Butler Road, after receiving reports of a violent incident. When emergency personnel arrived at the scene, they discovered a 58-year-old woman suffering from multiple stab wounds.
Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet publicly released her identity pending family notification and the ongoing investigation.
Investigators also found a 60-year-old man at the residence with serious injuries. Emergency medical personnel transported him by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital, where he remains in stable condition while receiving medical treatment.
Officials have not released additional information regarding the extent of his injuries or his relationship to the deceased woman.
During an early Friday morning press conference held at the Ontario County Jail, Kevin Henderson confirmed that investigators were able to identify a suspect shortly after the attack.
Authorities identified the suspect as William Patrick Fricke, 67, of Fairport.
According to investigators, Fricke was located in Irondequoit approximately one hour after the stabbing and was taken into custody without incident.
Officials stated that Fricke was subsequently transported to a hospital for treatment of injuries that investigators believe were not sustained during the arrest.
Sheriff Henderson praised the rapid collaboration between several law enforcement agencies, noting that the suspect’s swift apprehension was made possible through coordinated efforts across the region.
After locating a vehicle connected to the investigation, authorities discovered the suspect was no longer at the scene. Additional resources, including the Wayne County K-9 Unit and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit, assisted investigators in locating the suspect.
The coordinated response allowed law enforcement to quickly bring the situation under control and secure the suspect.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
Investigators are working to establish the relationships between those involved and determine the events that led to the fatal stabbing. While many questions remain unanswered, officials have indicated that the incident does not appear to have been a random act of violence.
The Jim Ritts stated that investigators are continuing to examine all aspects of the case as they prepare for potential criminal proceedings.
Law enforcement officials have assured residents that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
Sheriff Henderson described the stabbing as an isolated incident and said investigators are confident the community is safe now that the suspect has been taken into custody.
Although the tragedy has deeply affected the Canandaigua community, authorities stressed that there is no indication of any continuing danger to nearby residents.
As investigators continue processing evidence and conducting interviews, additional information—including the identity of the deceased woman, possible charges against the suspect, and further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
For now, the focus remains on supporting those affected by the tragedy while allowing investigators to complete their work. The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office continues to ask anyone with information relevant to the case to cooperate with investigators as they seek to establish a complete understanding of what occurred.
