NORWICH – Following almost two hours of delay Wednesday morning, it was made known that William Danielson intended to change his plea of not guilty to guilty in lieu of an offer that was made by the District Attorney.

Danielson, 49, of Oxford was charged with the 2013 murder of his ex, Lucinda Knoll. Danielson has been incarcerated since 2013 and was set to begin his jury trial on the matter this morning promptly at 9 a.m. in Chenango County Court.

Danielson pled guilty to murder in the second degree, a class A-1 felony, which was the second count of the grand jury indictment.

Danielson was originally going to plea to the first count of the indictment, murder in the second degree with intent to kill. However, he refused and would not admit to having intent to kill.

“I have talked to the family. As long as the sentence still holds the same weight, then this is acceptable to the people,” said Chenango County District Attorney Joseph A. McBride.

The court and the prosecution allowed Danielson to admit to causing physical injury that resulted in Knoll’s death. Danielson also stole a handbag from Knoll. Both counts of murder charges against Danielson held the same sentencing weight.

Danielson will receive a sentence of 20 years minimum with a maximum of life, in agreement that all other charges stemming from the grand jury indictment would be dropped.

McBride alleged that the actual sentencing will take place within the next 30 days.

Danielson was remanded back to the Chenango County Correctional Facility immediately following court proceedings.

More information will appear in Thursday’s edition of The Evening Sun.