A Monroe County Court Jury has found 30-year-old Travis Hill guilty of attempted murder and burglary, plus multiple counts of robbery and attempted robbery.
Hill was convicted for the home invasion robbery of Thad and Sharon Swift nearly three years ago, and the attempted murder of Thad Smith.
Prosecutors say Hill went with suspect Michael Earsley Jr. and confronted the couple with loaded guns outside their home in Webster. Earsley entered the home and attempted to rob Sharon Smith, while Hill beat Thad Smith over the head with a gun, stole his money and ran.
Hill was able to get up, enter his house and pepper-spray Earsley, who was arrested. U.S. Marshals arrested Travis Hill back in March.
Hill will be sentenced on November 7th.
On November 13, 2015, Travis Hill and co-defendant, Michael Earlsey Jr. went to a residence on Lake Road in the Town of Webster at approximately 11:40 pm and ambushed homeowner, Thad Swift, with loaded firearms as he exited his vehicle. As Earlsey entered the home and attempted to rob Sharon Swift, Hill remained outside and fired multiple shots at Thad Swift. Swift was also struck in the head multiple times with the firearm before Hill ultimately stole cash from the victim and fled. Upon entering his home, Thad Swift encountered Earlsey holding his wife, Sharon, at gunpoint. Thad Swift proceeded to empty a can of pepper spray on Earsley causing him to flee the home. The Webster Police Department arrested Michael Earlsey in the early morning hours of November 14, 2015. The US Marshals Task Force arrested Travis Hill on May 17, 2018.
Michael Earlsey Jr. pled guilty to Attempted Burglary in the 1st Degree on January 30, 2017 and will be sentenced on November 2, 2018 in front of Supreme Court Justice Judith Sinclair.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Julie Hahn, Chief of the Major Felony Bureau.
“Today’s conviction is justice for Thad and Sharon Swift who suffered a horrific attack at their home,” said Assistant District Attorney Julie Hahn. “This verdict ensures Travis Hill will be off of our streets and no longer able to commit brutal crimes against innocent people.”
“These defendants attempted to take the life of an innocent, hardworking member of our community,” said District Attorney Sandra Doorley. “As a result of this horrible attack, Thad and Sharon Swift suffered physical and emotional pain. We hope this conviction will help them to move on from the awful events that occurred at their home in November, 2015.”
Travis Hill will be sentenced on November 7, 2018 in front of Supreme Court Justice Alex Renzi.