NORWICH – In a courtroom filled with the victim’s family, police investigators and attorneys, an admitted murder described the brutal strangulation and rape of his landlord, a well-known Norwich woman.

In Chenango County Court Monday, Daniel L. Brown, 46, pleaded guilty to murder, admitting to the rape and death in March of Tammy L. Periard, 45.

“After discussions with the family, we are prepared to accept the defendant’s plea,” said District Attorney Joseph McBride.

Brown pleaded guilty to the third count in the indictment of second degree murder. He is expected to be sentenced to 20 years to life with the possibility of parole.

“There is no result that can bring their relative and daughter back,” McBride said.

Periard was murdered in Brown’s Henry Street apartment on March 26, but her body wasn’t discovered by police until two days later on March 28.

Judge Martin E. Smith scheduled sentencing for Dec. 14.

Smith asked Brown to tell his version of events. “She came to the house. I’m a drug addict of course, and I was coming off a high (pain killers),” said Brown.