Search Results for: South Carolina

South Carolina man faces life behind bars for ex-girlfriend’s murder

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.

South Carolina man pleads guilty to murder of girlfriend and sets her body on fire

Denmark, SC Jarrett Haskell Davis, 28, pleaded guilty on Monday to the murder of his girlfriend Megan Bodiford, 25. He also admitted to charges of possession of a weapon during a violent crime, third-degree arson, and desecration of human remains.

Davis received a sentence of 43 years in prison for the murder, with additional time added for the other charges. Bodiford was reported missing on or around April 25, when she was last seen in Denmark, approximately 60 miles south of Columbia.

Before her disappearance, Bodiford sent a text to a friend stating, “If you don’t hear from me in 30 minutes, he killed me.” That message included a warning that Davis had a gun.

Bodiford had a four-month-old baby and was experiencing domestic issues in her relationship with Davis, according to her family. Friends noted her reaching out for help prior to her death.

Davis was apprehended after police located a burned-out car containing Bodiford’s remains about two miles from her residence.

Bodiford’s family expressed frustration with law enforcement, claiming that Davis had a domestic violence arrest warrant at the time. They believe that his prior arrest could have prevented Bodiford’s murder.

Bodiford was a mother to three daughters, ages 7, 4, and 4 months. Family members wished to remember her as a caring mother and a beloved friend.

South Carolina man faces charges for keeping captives and murder

Lancaster, SC A man has been charged with multiple offenses, including murder and false imprisonment, following allegations of holding several individuals captive in his residence. Donnie Ray Birchfield, Jr., 35, faces a total of 18 charges that stem from incidents involving four adults.

The charges were outlined by prosecutors earlier this week, detailing accusations against Birchfield. Among the charges is one count of murder connected to the death of 49-year-old Shirley Arnsdorff, who was reportedly found deceased in Birchfield’s home on July 25.

Birchfield is also accused of criminal sexual conduct, various financial crimes, and multiple counts of abuse and exploitation of vulnerable adults, according to the Lancaster Police Department. He faces specific allegations of controlling the movement and welfare of his victims, limiting their access to food and medical necessities.

The investigation began when law enforcement responded to a report of an unattended death at Birchfield’s residence. After a brief period of investigation, Birchfield was arrested on August 1, and additional charges were introduced following further developments in the case.

Birchfield is currently being held without bond at the Lancaster County Detention Center as the investigation continues. Police have stated they are seeking additional information regarding the case, urging anyone with knowledge to come forward.