New details connected with the murder a North Carolina school counselor on Monday reveal that the victim fought for her life before and until her last breathe. Reports indicate that she died of strangulation.

Updates on the Maggie Daniels case were released at a press conference on the same day along with the first appearance of the 34-year-old suspect Sharman Odom in court for his arraignment.

Like Us on Facebook

Odom is said to face the possibility of being penalized with the death penalty.

The suspect was caught on camera smirking while charges against him were read. Odom entered no plea during the hearing.

Authorities arrested the purported murderer on Saturday in Winston-Salem on the ground of allegedly killing the 31-year-old Discovery High School counselor at her own apartment in June 28.

Police reports indicate that the suspect lived in the same apartment complex as Daniels. However, no information was given on whether the two knew each other.

During the probe, investigators scoured the suspect's apartment for clues and managed to extract cell phones with 'selfie' photos of Odom showing signs of injury in his face. These injuries were presumed to have been acquired from the victim's efforts to fight his attack.

Further search of the apartment uncovered a patch of hair from Odom's head was also found inside a shoebox in the suspect's closet.

Recent reports signify signs of struggle, which were allegedly confirmed by several damaged items in Daniels' apartment. Investigators believe that some pieces were moved.

Authorities divulged that the victim's cause of death was asphyxiation. However, investigators are still waiting for autopsy reports to verify speculations of probable sexual assault.

One of Daniels' neighbors found her lifeless body on her bedroom floor after entering the victim's unlocked apartment.

No sign of forced entry was suspected, but police officers have yet to establish a connection between the school counselor and the suspect.

TagsNorth Carolina, school counselor, Discovery High School, Murder