Cops: NC guidance counselor strangled to death by neighbor

NEWTON, N.C. - Police say Maggie Daniels, a North Carolina guidance counselor, was strangled to death in her apartment by a man who lives in the same complex as her, reports CBS affiliate WBTV.

Sharman Odom, 34, is charged with murder in the death of the 31-year-old Daniels, who was found dead in her Newton apartment on June 28. Odom was taken into custody on Saturday.

Newton Police Chief Donald Brown said Monday that investigators think Daniels fought back when Odom attacked her in her unlocked apartment.

Investigators say a clump of hair missing from Odom helped them close in on him as a suspect. Brown also said that a selfie taken by Odom on the day the victim died showed him a with a fresh scratch on his face and that gave officers confidence he was the killer.

Brown says there is nothing that indicates there was any relationship between Odom and Daniels. The police chief did not give a motive for the killing, but said tests to see if Daniels was sexually assaulted are still pending.

Odom appeared in court Monday and was given a court-appointed attorney. A probable cause hearing in the case was scheduled for August 28, reports WBTV.