NORWICH – The highest-profile case to happen in Chenango County for nearly a decade found its way into the Chenango County Courthouse Wednesday afternoon.

Accused murderer Daniel Brown Sr. appeared in court before newly-appointed Broome County Court Judge Martin E. Smith to enter his plea of not guilty. Brown was being represented by John D. Cameron, but is now being represented by Alan E. Gordon; both are from the Public Defender’s Office.

Brown is accused of murdering and raping his apartment manager, Tammy L. Periard of Norwich, who was reported missing on Monday, March 26. Two days later, police arrested Brown and found Periard’s body in his Henry Street apartment.

Gordon made no request for bail, but did request that his client be allowed to appear for future court proceedings in civilian clothes instead of the standard issue “oranges” from the county jail. The judge ruled that Brown could appear in regular clothes for pre-trial hearings and for trial.