NORWICH – Ganesh R. Ramsaran, the man previously convicted of second-degree murder in the death of his wife Jennifer in September of 2014, appeared in Chenango County Court last week for a conference on the status of his appeal.

Ramsaran appealed his murder conviction to the Supreme Court, Appellate Division: Third Judicial Department, his conviction was overturned on July 14, 2016.

The Appellate Division determined that there was merit to his contention that his defense counsel was ineffective, therefore not providing him with the opportunity for a fair trial, and vacated his conviction.

Ramsaran, dressed in a green jumpsuit and black boots, appeared before the court alongside his newly appointed defense counsel, Albany-based Cheryl Coleman.

Likewise, Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride represented the people of Chenango County in the matter.

“At this time, we have an appeal pending with the court of appeals. We have heard no response yet,” said McBride.

“I agree with the statement of Mr. McBride,” Coleman said. “We also have an application pending with the court of appeals for a change of venue.”

Judge James E. Downey, who presided over the matter, asked why the defense requested a change of venue, and Coleman replied that the request was made in order to be closer to her office.

Until the court receives responses from the court of appeals about both requests from the prosecution and the defense, the case cannot proceed further.

Ramsaran, who is still serving a separate five to 15 year sentence on a bribery conviction, was remanded back to the custody of the Great Meadow Correctional Facility of Comstock.

Ashley Babbitt Photo