NORWICH – More than 60 individuals were present in the Chenango County Courthouse this morning for the felony arraignment of William H. Danielson, 48, of Oxford. Danielson was indicted by the grand jury last week, charged with murder in the second degree, a class A-1 violent felony.

It is alleged that Danielson caused the murder of Lucinda Knoll, 39, by “striking her numerous times on the head.”

The charges against Danielson include two counts of murder – one for the commission of the crime, the second under the subdivision showing intent to commit the crime of murder – and one count each of robbery in the third degree, a class B felony; assault in the first degree, a class B felony; and assault in the second degree, a class D felony.

Danielson’s defense counsel, Scott Clippinger, waived the reading of the charges and entered a plea of not-guilty for his client. However, Chenango County Court Judge Frank B. Revoir Jr. made the decision to read the details of the indictment outlining the specific allegations against Danielson.

“Judge, the indictment is part of the record. We don’t need it read,” said Clippinger. “McBride just wants to further inflame the public. This is not the public’s trial, it is the defense’s case.”