Investigators say a 53-year-old resident suffered severe head wounds after an early Friday welfare check at the D&D Motel on Lakeshore Drive.
CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. — Ontario County deputies are investigating a violent assault at a Lakeshore Drive motel after a welfare check around 7:30 a.m. Friday led responders to a 53-year-old man who was unresponsive with significant traumatic injuries, and a 27-year-old Canandaigua man was later arrested, authorities said.
Officials said the victim, identified as John D. Kirby of Canandaigua, was flown by LifeNet to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, where he underwent emergency treatment and remained in critical condition through the weekend. Sheriff David Cirencione said the scene inside Room 1 at the D&D Motel indicated a violent episode that likely occurred hours before deputies arrived. Investigators quickly focused on a suspect, identified as Justin Rogers, 27, who was taken into custody Friday evening and arraigned on a first-degree assault charge, a class B violent felony, according to county authorities.
Deputies were sent to the motel after a 911 caller requested a welfare check, reporting concern that a man in Room 1 might be hurt. When responders entered, they found Kirby unresponsive and suffering from severe upper-body injuries. Cirencione said the victim “wasn’t able to talk to us and tell us what happened,” but added that “the scene certainly presented itself as something violent had occurred.” Investigators believe the assault happened several hours before the call. Medics provided initial care at the motel before the victim was airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital. Detectives secured the room, collected physical evidence and interviewed people who live or work at the complex along Canandaigua Lake’s busy corridor.
Authorities later said court records allege Rogers struck Kirby in the head with an ax during the attack inside the motel room. The Ontario County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the charge of first-degree assault after an evening arraignment. Officials released the victim’s name and age and said there was no indication of an ongoing threat to the public. Deputies and crime scene technicians processed the room and surrounding area, photographed the scene, and recovered items believed to be tied to the assault. The Sheriff’s Office did not detail what sparked the altercation and said the exact timeline remains under review. Detectives also canvassed nearby businesses on Lakeshore Drive for potential video.
The D&D Motel sits a short drive from Canandaigua’s downtown and lakefront, an area that sees steady traffic from residents and travelers. Deputies have previously responded to calls at the property, records show, though officials did not link prior activity to Friday’s assault. Strong Memorial Hospital is the region’s Level I trauma center and routinely handles airlifted cases from Ontario County and the Finger Lakes. In this case, authorities emphasized that the early-morning welfare check likely followed several hours without contact with the victim, a gap investigators are trying to close with phone records, surveillance footage and witness statements gathered since Friday.
Rogers is being held without bail following his arraignment in Ontario County CAP Court. Prosecutors said more charges could be considered as evidence is tested and statements are evaluated. Detectives are awaiting medical updates from Strong Memorial Hospital and will confer with the District Attorney’s Office on charging decisions. Officials said they expect to release additional information after laboratory processing of items seized from the room and after a fuller medical assessment of Kirby’s injuries. No court date was immediately provided beyond the initial arraignment; the Sheriff’s Office said any future appearances will be scheduled this week.
By Friday afternoon, sheriff’s vehicles lined the motel’s parking lot as investigators moved in and out of Room 1 carrying paper evidence bags. A door was propped open for part of the day as technicians photographed the threshold and the walkway. Neighbors said they woke to sirens and saw an ambulance leave quickly toward the Thruway. “It’s scary to see that many deputies at once,” said Kate Morrison, who was crossing Lakeshore Drive to a nearby coffee shop. Outside the Ontario County Courthouse later that evening, deputies escorted Rogers in handcuffs after the arraignment.
As of Monday morning, Kirby remained hospitalized in critical condition and the investigation continued. Detectives planned additional interviews and evidence reviews this week, with the next court update expected after prosecutors confer with investigators on charging steps.
Author note: Last updated December 8, 2025.