Daniel Harmon, 36, from South Carolina, pleaded guilty on Friday to murder and kidnapping in the death of his ex-girlfriend, Jamilla Smith, 30, receiving consecutive sentences of 45 years and 30 years—effectively life behind bars. The case stemmed from a violent pursuit on December 2, 2023, in Aiken County, where Smith called 911 twice: first reporting domestic violence on Interstate 20, then later as Harmon broke into her home, chased her, ran her over, and shot her multiple times in the head. Her remains were found in May 2024 near the 2100 block of Silver Bluff Road after blood evidence linked Harmon to a rented Dodge Charger.
Incident Details
Smith’s second 911 call captured engine revving, her screams, and Harmon demanding she get in his car for an ER trip, which she refused amid claims he ran her over. Dispatchers heard chaos before the line dropped; she left behind two children and a grieving family. Harmon was arrested three days later but her body took months to recover, with autopsy confirming gunshot wounds as cause of death.
Legal Outcome
Aiken County authorities secured the plea, avoiding trial. Family members expressed mixed relief—Smith’s grandmother noted closure after over two years, while her mother questioned if 75 years sufficed, doubting his courtroom apology for remorse. This aligns with South Carolina’s tough stance on domestic violence homicides, often yielding long consecutive terms under state law.
Family Reactions
- Grandmother: “It still hurts, but I’m relieved… glad this decision was finally made.”
- Mother: “Happy the deal went through, but it doesn’t feel enough… his actions don’t say sorry.”
Harmon’s allocution sought forgiveness “in Jesus name,” but drew skepticism from victims’ kin.
