Second Norwich Man Charged With Murder In 11-year-old's Death
Published: August 5th, 2017
By: Tyler Murphy

Second Norwich man charged with murder in 11-year-old's death

NORWICH – On Friday state police charged a second Norwich man with murder, as an apparent co-conspirator in the recent death of an 11-year-old, Morris girl.

The investigation into the murder of Jacelyn D. O’Connor is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the New York State Police in Norwich at (607) 334-3296.

Police did not explain how Tobias Rundstrom-Wooding, 34, of Norwich, was connected to the case, but he was arrested for the first-degree murder of O’Connor in conjunction with another Norwich man, who was also charged with her murder three days earlier.

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James S. Brower, 36, appeared in Chenango County Court Thursday, accused of rape and murder. He has entered a plea of not guilty.

In court, District Attorney Joseph McBride claimed Brower smothered the alleged victim to death while he raped her.

According to New York State Police, they responded to a reported cardiac arrest at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, July 30, at 961 County Route 33, in the Town of Norwich, but when officers arrived they discovered the body of the victim.

Brower was charged with her rape and murder two days later, on Tuesday, Aug. 1.

Then on Friday, August 4, police arrested Rundstrom-Wooding, for the same murder.

During Brower’s court arraignment on Thursday, McBride said the victim was related to the defendant and was killed by “asphyxiation by smothering,” during the alleged attack.

The victim is the half-sister of Brower’s two sons, explained McBride.

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A spokesman for the family said the victim and Brower had complicated family ties.

Brower was remanded to Chenango County jail without bail and his case is to resume at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 8, in Town of Norwich Court.

Rundstrom-Wooding was arraigned before Chenango County Court Judge Frank Revoir on Friday and also remanded to the county jail without bail

He is scheduled to appear at 11 a.m., Monday, in Chenango County Court.

If convicted of the top counts against them, both men could be sentenced to life in prison.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and the Chenango County District Attorney’s Office are assisting with the investigation.




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