Aiken, SC – Daniel Harmon, 36, pleaded guilty to murder and kidnapping charges connected to the death of his ex-girlfriend Jamilla Smith. The court sentenced him to 45 years for murder and 30 years for kidnapping, with the sentences set to run consecutively.
The incident occurred on December 2. Smith, 30, initially reported a domestic violence situation involving Harmon on a 911 call.
As the day progressed, Smith called 911 again just after 8:30 p.m. and told dispatchers Harmon was pursuing her down a road. The dispatchers heard a car engine rev and Smith screaming during the call.
Smith was instructed by Harmon to enter his vehicle so he could take her to the emergency room. Dispatchers then heard Smith cry out that Harmon had run her over.
Three days after the incident, Harmon was arrested after officials identified a rented Dodge Charger. Investigators discovered Smith’s blood in the trunk of the vehicle, but her body was not found until May.
The Aiken County coroner later determined Smith had died from multiple gunshot wounds to the head. Smith’s family expressed their anguish during the sentencing hearing this week.
Smith’s grandmother stated the family had suffered for over two years and was relieved the case had reached a resolution. Smith’s mother, however, questioned the adequacy of the justice served.
Harmon expressed remorse in court, apologizing to Smith’s family. A family member remarked that Harmon’s apology seemed insincere given his actions.