NORWICH – Kyle V. Whitfield appeared in court Monday afternoon for a bail hearing.

Whitfield, 29, of Greene was arrested by New York State Police for murder in the second degree following an investigation into a physical altercation and the stabbing death of 33-year-old James G. Button, Jr on Monday, March 3, in the Town of Smithville.

According to police, the incident happened at approximately 3:20 p.m. at Whitfield’s residence at 132 Loomis Lane in the Smithville. Smithville Town Court Justice Jordan Lilly remanded Whitfield to the Chenango County Correctional Facility without bail.

Whitfield’s defense counsel, Michael J. Mucci, said Whitfield is employed and has ties to the community. The prosecution, represented by Assistant District Attorney Michael Ferrarese, did not object to the court setting a bail amount.

Chenango County Court Judge Frank B. Revoir Jr. set Whitfield’s bail at $150,000 cash or $300,000 property.

He will reappear in court at a later date.