NORWICH – A new judge has been appointed to preside over the murder trial of Peter M. Wlasiuk. Administrative Judge Judith O’Shea of the 6th Judicial District appointed Broome County Court Judge Martin E. Smith to take the place of Chenango County Court Judge Howard Sullivan.

Sullivan recused himself from the case Friday, saying, “Ultimately the appearance of fairness and impartiality will be sacrificed on the altar of suspicion.” Sullivan said he did not anyone second-guessing the result of the second trial and believed his presence may raise a question of doubt no matter what the outcome, even if none existed.