NORWICH – New York State Police are scaling back local operations in their homicide investigation of a Norwich resident who was shot and killed in his home over two weeks ago.

Troopers removed the crime scene tape surrounding the murder scene from the victim’s residence at 5220 State Route 23 in the Town of Norwich last week after being stationed at the site for 24 hours a day since discovering William E. Lee’s body on Nov. 13.

An autopsy revealed that the 61-year-old Norwich native was killed by a gunshot wound to the head a few days before a relative found his body and called 911. Police gave no specific date, but said they believe Lee was killed sometime around Nov. 9.

Police have also relocated their base of operations from the Norwich City Police station to the New York State Police barracks on Rt. 12 in the Town of Norwich.

Captain Mark A. Lester said the change in operations was normal for a homicide investigation.

“As an investigator, the longest part of this process can be waiting for the forensic results to be completed,” said Lester.

Lester said Troopers worked closely with the Norwich Police Department and Chenango County Sheriff’s Office because the two agencies had close ties in the community.