On Monday Chaquasja "Qway" Veale pleaded guilty to first degree manslaughter in Chenango County Court. In court he admitted to causing the death of a 44-year-old Norwich woman, Alisa Ann Martin, on July 6, 2023. (Photo by Tyler Murphy)

NORWICH– In Chenango County Court on Monday Chaquasja "Qway" Veale pleaded guilty to first degree manslaughter as part of a deal made with prosecutors. Veale was originally charged with second degree murder.

During the proceeding Veale recalled the events that led up to the killing and apologized to the victim's family. As part of his plea Veale agreed to a sentence of 22 years in prison and waived his right to appeal.

He admitted in court to strangling 44-year-old Alisa Ann Martin with his bare hands on the afternoon of July 6, 2023 after the two had an argument about his dog. Veale said he was homeless and Martin offered to let him stay with her.

Martin's body was discovered three days later on July 9 after the Norwich Police Department responded to a welfare check at her home at 89 North Broad Street.

Investigators discovered Martin's body inside the home,along with signs of violence. An autopsy later determined Martin's death a homicide by strangulation.

Norwich Police Chief Reuben Roach and Chenango County District Attorney Michael Ferrarese held a brief press conference outside the court following the proceedings.

Roach extended sympathies to the family and thanked the Chenango County Sheriff's Office and New York State Police for aiding the investigation.

“He [defendant] took responsibility and that obviously is a factor in how we got here,” said Ferrarese about the plea.

Veale's defense attorney, Benjamin Bergman, said his client wanted to express remorse.

“He is extremely remorseful. He wanted to bring closure to the family and community,” he said.

Veale will appear back in Chenango County Court on September 6 for sentencing.

A full article with additional details will appear in Tuesday's Evening Sun.