New details have emerged as the man accused of killing 11-year-old Jacelyn O'Connor is back in court.
The district attorney said an autopsy showed Jacelyn died from asphyxiation due to smothering.
James Brower, who is accused of killing Jacelyn, appeared in Chenango County Court on Thursday for day two of his arraignment. He asked to be represented by a public defender.
Brower is charged with kiling Jacelyn while in the course of committing or attempting to commit rape.
State police responded to a home on County Route 33 on Sunday for reports of a girl in cardiac arrest. When they arrived, they found the victim deceased.
In court, members of both families were present, including the victim's custodial mother. The district attorney said Jacelyn and Brower knew each other through family ties. Jacelyn is the half-sibling of Brower's two sons.
A felony hearing date is scheduled for Tuesday.