A man pleaded guilty Friday in Aiken County to murder and kidnapping in the death of Jamilla Smith, resulting in a lengthy prison sentence and the dismissal of additional charges tied to the case.
Daniel Gabriel Harmon, 34, was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Walton McKLeod IV to 45 years for murder and 30 years for kidnapping, to be served concurrently. He received credit for 748 days already served. Drug-related charges against him were dropped, according to court records.
The guilty plea resolves the primary homicide case stemming from Smith’s disappearance in late 2023. But charges are still pending against two alleged accessories accused of helping after Smith’s death. Clyde Hendley II, 46, of Bath, is charged with accessory after the fact to murder. He stands accused of aiding Harmon in disposing of evidence related to Smith’s death.
Bryan Alexander Hampton Jr., 35, also faces an accessory-after-the-fact charge after turning himself in last year.
Smith’s disappearance triggered a wide-ranging investigation that included a 911 call in which she reported being chased shortly before contact was lost.
Authorities say Harmon likely killed the victim on the evening of Dec. 2, 2023, in the area of 425 Old Jackson Highway in the Jackson area. Smith called 911, stating her ex-boyfriend broke into her house and was chasing her down the road. On the 911 call, Smith sounded out of breath.
“When the dispatcher asks her where she will meet the deputy, a car engine can be heard revving before Jamilla is heard screaming and the phone appears to drop,” authorities said in a murder affidavit. “A male voice is heard telling Jamilla to get into the car and he will take her to the emergency room. Jamilla continues to scream and can be heard yelling no, don’t touch me, don’t hurt me please, and you hit me.”
The report continues, “The male is heard saying you jumped in front of the car before Jamilla says no I didn’t. Jamilla says leave me alone, it hurts and I can’t. Jamilla continues to scream no, I can’t my arm, and you ran over me. A horn can be heard and a dog barking.”
Police located Harmon in North Augusta, and suspected blood was located in the spare tire area of his vehicle’s trunk. Swabs were taken from the vehicle and sent to state lab and known samples of Smiths.
Court records also show the victim had previously filed a domestic violence report related to the case.
Proceedings against the two remaining defendants are ongoing in Aiken County.
