Norwich man accused of rape and murder; faces life in prison
NORWICH – Facing life in prison without parole, James S. Brower, of Norwich, appeared in Chenango County Court Thursday, accused of the rape and murder an 11-year-old girl.
County Court Judge Frank Revoir said, the proceeding was an extension of an arraignment that began Tuesday, the night Brower was charged with first-degree murder.
The New York State Police discovered the body of 11-year-old Jacelyn D. O’Connor, of Morris, on Sunday morning, July 30, at 961 County Route 33, in the Town of Norwich. Brower was charged with her rape and murder two days later.
Revior said, he had entered a not guilty plea on Brower’s behalf, so he could seek legal counsel.
Appearing in court, District Attorney Joseph McBride claimed Bower had smothered the alleged victim to death, while committing a rape.
“Based on the facts, the defendant is alleged to have raped an 11-year-old girl,” said McBride, “and committed the rape in commission of a murder. “
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 the defendant’s two sons, explained McBride. He also noted drugs were not a factor in the case.
Speaking for the family, Chenango County Christian Church Rev. Brad Keator said the victim and defendant had complicated family ties.
“It’s all inter-connected,” he said, adding, it “blurred lines of family.”
A private memorial service for the victim will be held this weekend, he said. The victim’s custodial mother and other members of the family attended court Thursday.
In court Brower said he was satisfied with representation from the public defender’s office.
His attorney, Public Defender John D. Cameron reserved the right to request bail, but did not ask for it. McBride asked for no bail.
The judge remanded Brower to the county jail without bail and his case is to resume at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 8, in Town of Norwich Court.
If convicted of all the charges Brower would be sentenced to life without parole, said McBride.
County Court Judge Frank Revoir said, the proceeding was an extension of an arraignment that began Tuesday, the night Brower was charged with first-degree murder.
The New York State Police discovered the body of 11-year-old Jacelyn D. O’Connor, of Morris, on Sunday morning, July 30, at 961 County Route 33, in the Town of Norwich. Brower was charged with her rape and murder two days later.
Revior said, he had entered a not guilty plea on Brower’s behalf, so he could seek legal counsel.
Appearing in court, District Attorney Joseph McBride claimed Bower had smothered the alleged victim to death, while committing a rape.
“Based on the facts, the defendant is alleged to have raped an 11-year-old girl,” said McBride, “and committed the rape in commission of a murder. “
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 the defendant’s two sons, explained McBride. He also noted drugs were not a factor in the case.
Speaking for the family, Chenango County Christian Church Rev. Brad Keator said the victim and defendant had complicated family ties.
“It’s all inter-connected,” he said, adding, it “blurred lines of family.”
A private memorial service for the victim will be held this weekend, he said. The victim’s custodial mother and other members of the family attended court Thursday.
In court Brower said he was satisfied with representation from the public defender’s office.
His attorney, Public Defender John D. Cameron reserved the right to request bail, but did not ask for it. McBride asked for no bail.
The judge remanded Brower to the county jail without bail and his case is to resume at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 8, in Town of Norwich Court.
If convicted of all the charges Brower would be sentenced to life without parole, said McBride.
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