While Daniel Gabriel Harmon’s prison sentence was finalized Friday in Aiken, it was the emotional testimony from Jamilla Smith’s family — including her grandmother speaking from a wheelchair — that defined the hearing and underscored the lasting impact of Smith’s death.
Harmon, 34, pleaded guilty to murder and kidnapping in Smith’s death and was sentenced to 45 years in prison for murder and 30 years for kidnapping. The judge ordered the sentences to be served concurrently, not back-to-back, meaning Harmon will serve the longer 45-year sentence rather than a combined total of both. He received credit for 748 days already served.
Assistant Solicitor Hurmayonne Morgan prosecuted the case. Deputy Solicitor Ashley Hammack said the courtroom was packed with family members from both sides and described the atmosphere as deeply emotional.
Jamilla Smith’s mother, stepfather, biological father and extended relatives were present. Harmon’s parents, brother and a cousin also attended the hearing.
During the hearing, prosecutors recited facts from recordings and investigative evidence, detailing how Smith died from two gunshots to the head. Authorities said her body was later buried in a tubular grave, left in a wooded area off the 2100 block of Silver Bluff Road. Harmon ultimately led law enforcement to the burial site.
“It was hard for both sides,” Hammack said.
Due to the condition of the remains, investigators used special measures to confirm Smith’s identity. She was identified through jewelry she had been wearing that had not deteriorated, as well as a tattoo on her body.
Despite the guilty plea and sentencing, prosecutors said the hearing did not provide closure on why Smith was killed.
“He did not give a reason for what happened,” Hammack said, adding that neither the family nor the state received an explanation for the crime.
Court records and law enforcement reports show a documented history of domestic violence between Harmon and Smith, underscoring a long-standing pattern of abuse before her death. In November 2023, deputies were called after an incident in which Harmon allegedly strangled Smith, injuring her neck in front of her child, according to arrest warrants. Smith later filed a domestic violence report and provided photos of her injuries to investigators. Authorities also noted that the couple had been involved in prior domestic violence incidents, and Harmon had made statements of self-harm during earlier contacts with law enforcement.
Still, in court, Smith’s grandmother Vivian Downs addressed the court from a wheelchair, offering words of forgiveness that moved many in the courtroom.
“I pray for you too, Daniel,” Downs said. “I pray for your soul. And I pray for your family as well.”
Harmon also spoke, apologizing to Smith’s family and his own.
“I deep down apologize to all six or seven family members or families that have been hurt by this,” Harmon said. “Can I ask that y’all forgive me in Jesus’ name? Amen.”
Hammack said the sentence will likely extend beyond Harmon’s natural life expectancy. The murder conviction carries no parole eligibility, requiring him to serve at least 30 years. For the kidnapping charge, Harmon must serve 85 percent of the parole-eligible portion.
“I think the family is very actively grieving, and I don’t know if the criminal resolution gives a whole lot of peace or solace,” Hammack said. “She left behind children and family, and I think her loss was very acutely felt, and you could see that clearly in the court.”
The guilty plea resolves the primary homicide case tied to Smith’s disappearance in December 2023. However, charges remain pending against two alleged accessories.
Clyde Hendley II, 46, of Bath, is charged with accessory after the fact to murder for allegedly helping Harmon dispose of evidence. Bryan Alexander Hampton Jr., 35, also faces an accessory-after-the-fact charge after turning himself in last year.
Smith’s disappearance prompted a large-scale investigation after she made a 911 call reporting she was being chased. Authorities believe she was killed on the evening of Dec. 2, 2023, in the Jackson area.
Judge Walton McLeod IV presided over the case.
