Deputies say a welfare check at the D&D Motel uncovered a critically injured 53-year-old; a 27-year-old local man faces a felony assault charge.
CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. — Ontario County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a severe assault discovered during a welfare check around 7:30 a.m. Friday in Room 1 of the D&D Motel on Lakeshore Drive, where they found a 53-year-old man unresponsive with major head injuries and later arrested a 27-year-old suspect.
The victim, identified by authorities as John D. Kirby of Canandaigua, was treated at the scene and flown by helicopter to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Sheriff David Cirencione said the scene inside the room indicated a violent episode that appeared to have happened hours earlier. By evening, deputies had taken Justin Rogers, 27, into custody. Prosecutors said Rogers was arraigned on a first-degree assault charge, a class B violent felony, and ordered held without bail while the investigation continues.
Cirencione said the county’s 911 center received a call requesting a welfare check for a man who might be hurt at the motel. Deputies and the Canandaigua Emergency Squad arrived to find Kirby unresponsive with “significant traumatic injuries to the upper body.” “The victim wasn’t able to talk to us and tell us what happened,” Cirencione said, noting the condition of the room suggested “something violent had occurred.” Detectives secured the room, photographed the doorway and walkway, and began interviewing occupants and staff at the property, which sits along the lakefront corridor.
Authorities later said court paperwork alleges Rogers struck Kirby in the head with an ax during the incident. Investigators recovered evidence from inside and outside the unit and canvassed Lakeshore Drive businesses for surveillance video. Officials reported no broader threat to the public. The Sheriff’s Office did not release information about what preceded the confrontation, and the exact timeline between the alleged assault and the morning call remains under review. Kirby underwent emergency treatment and remained in critical condition through the weekend, according to officials familiar with the case.
The D&D Motel, a single-story complex near Canandaigua’s commercial strip, has drawn periodic police responses over the years typical of extended-stay properties, according to public incident logs. Friday’s scene included multiple patrol cars and crime scene technicians carrying paper bags and camera equipment. Strong Memorial Hospital serves as the region’s Level I trauma center and frequently receives airlifts from Ontario County. Investigators said they are correlating statements from residents with digital evidence, including phone data and any cameras covering the parking lot and Lakeshore Drive.
Rogers’ arraignment occurred Friday evening in Ontario County CAP Court. Prosecutors said additional charges could be considered as forensic work and interviews progress. Detectives are awaiting results from the Monroe County crime lab and medical updates from Strong Memorial Hospital to determine whether the case will be presented to a grand jury this week. Authorities said scheduling for the suspect’s next court appearance will be set once prosecutors and investigators complete initial evidence reviews. Officials expect to provide another public update as soon as lab testing and hospital reports are available.
Residents described a heavy law enforcement presence at the motel throughout Friday as investigators moved in and out of the unit. “You don’t see that many deputies unless it’s bad,” said Mike Reynolds, who works nearby and watched an ambulance leave toward Rochester. In the evening, deputies led Rogers in handcuffs from the courthouse after his arraignment as reporters gathered on the sidewalk.
As of Monday morning, Kirby remained in critical condition and Rogers remained jailed without bail. Detectives planned additional interviews and evidence processing this week, with the next court milestone expected after prosecutors review lab results and hospital updates.
Author note: Last updated December 8, 2025.