NORWICH – A murder trial for the death of 11-year-old Jacelyn O'Connor is scheduled to begin today after the man accused of assisting in her rape and murder refused to take a deal.
James Brower, 37, of Norwich is charged with second-degree murder, first-degree hindering prosecution, tampering with physical evidence, and making a false written statement.
According to prosecutors, Brower assisted another defendant who has already pleaded guilty, Tobias Rundstrom-Wooding, with a fatal attack on 11-year-old Jacelyn O’Connor on July 30, 2017 in the Town of Norwich.
Rundstrom-Wooding was sentenced to 20 years to life in state prison in June.
Chenango County Court Judge Frank Revoir Jr., said Brower had discussed taking a plea deal of one-and-a-half to four-and-a-half years in prison at a prior court appearance, but Brower's defense attorney, Clifton Carden opted for trial instead.
