Deeply unsettling.
By Aria Gmitter — Written on Aug 09, 2017
Every child deserves a future, but for an 11-year-old Jacelyn O'Connor, her life was ended much too early. The minister of the church she attended and her elementary school struggle to accept the news.
She was just a little girl from Morris, NY. But apparently, her innocence wasn't enough to stop two men from raping her and smothering her to her death.
In an incomprehensive and brutal sexual assault committed against a child, New York state authorities have taken into custody two men who are being charged with first-degree murder by smothering during an act of rape that occurred upstate in Norwich, New York.
Here are recently released facts, details, rumors, and sad realities associated with this case:
1. The man accused of murdering Jacelyn O'Connor knew her.
James Brower is a 36-year old white male and father of two boys. Jacelyn O'Conner was the half-sister to his sons, and at the time of her death, was staying in his home for an extended period of time for a visit (which she had done several times previously).
2. She was found dead in his home.
On Sunday, July 30th when authorities responded to call saying the girl was in cardiac arrest. After further investigation, police suspected that the girl was a victim of violent rape that resulted in her being smothered. The autopsy report returned with the cause of death by asphyxiation.
3. Brower did not sexually abuse and murder the girl alone.
Tobias Rundstrum-Wooding, a 34-year-old white male was arrested on August 7th and also charged with first-degree murder.
On August 7th, Rundstrum-Wooding was taken into custody and charged by authorities at the Chenango County Courthouse.
4. Brower and Rundstrum-Wooding are a couple.
They shared a home at 961 County Route 33 in the town of Norwich, New York. Circumstantial evidence (including DNA) on the 11-year-old girl implicates Brower and his boyfriend, Tobias Rundstrom-Wooding, in her death, according to the District Attorney.
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5. Both men have entered a plea of not guilty.
However, they are being held without bond in the local jail. They are being represented by Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride. Currently, if there was a motive for murder, it's not known at this time.
The felony complaint can be viewed HERE.
6. Jacelyn O'Connor was a student at Morris Central School.
They hosted a candle light vigil in her honor on August 7th and posted an invitation with support services for students who may grieve her loss on their Facebook page.
7. Her mother attended the initial hearing.
At this time, there haven't been any additional statements identifying her by name.
8. Her funeral was held on August 4th.
Johnston Funeral Home Obituary in Morris, New York.
Anyone with information on Jacelyn O'Connor's murder is asked to contact the New York State Police in Norwich at 607-334-3296.
