South Carolina Man Gets 75 Years After Running Over Ex-Girlfriend During 911 Call, Then Shooting Her

AIKEN COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA — A South Carolina man has been sentenced to 75 years in prison after authorities say he chased down his ex-girlfriend, ran her over with a car while she was speaking to 911 dispatchers, and later shot her in the head, ending a months-long search for her body.

The defendant, Daniel Harmon, 36, pleaded guilty Friday to murder and kidnapping, according to Aiken County officials. The court imposed 45 years for murder and 30 years for kidnapping, to be served consecutively.

The victim was Jamilla Smith, 30, a mother of two.

Two 911 Calls Detail Escalating Danger

Court records show the violence began on December 2, 2023, when Smith first called 911 earlier in the day to report a domestic violence incident involving Harmon along Interstate 20.

Hours later—just after 8:30 p.m.—Smith called 911 again, telling dispatchers that Harmon had broken into her home and was chasing her down the road, according to a criminal complaint affidavit obtained by local media.

Dispatchers could hear an engine revving, followed by Smith screaming. During the call, Smith dropped her phone, and the dispatcher heard a man urging her to get into his car so he could take her to the emergency room.

Smith repeatedly refused.

Moments later, she told dispatchers she had been run over and said she was in pain before the call abruptly ended.

Vehicle Tracked, Blood Found—But Victim Missing

Smith never arrived at any hospital.

Investigators later tracked down a rented Dodge Charger linked to Harmon. Authorities found Smith’s blood in the trunk of the vehicle—but no sign of Smith herself. Harmon was arrested three days later.

For months, Smith’s family waited for answers as investigators continued searching.

Body Found Months Later; Autopsy Reveals Gunshots

In May 2024, Smith’s remains were discovered in a wooded area near the 2100 block of Silver Bluff Road in Aiken. After an autopsy, the Aiken County coroner determined Smith died from multiple gunshot wounds to the head.

Prosecutors said the evidence showed Harmon continued the attack after running Smith over, ultimately killing her with gunfire and concealing her body.

Family Speaks at Sentencing

Several of Smith’s family members addressed the court during Harmon’s sentencing.

“It still hurts, but I’m relieved that it’s finally come to an end,” Smith’s grandmother said, according to local reports. “We’ve been suffering for over two years.”

Smith’s mother said she accepted the plea but questioned whether justice could ever feel complete.

“I am happy that the deal did go through,” she said. “But it still doesn’t feel enough—not enough for her life.”

Defendant Apologizes; Family Rejects Remorse

During his allocution, Harmon apologized to Smith’s family.

“I deep down apologize to all six, seven family members or families that have been hurt from this,” Harmon said. “If y’all can, I just ask that y’all forgive me in Jesus name.”

Smith’s mother was unmoved.

“He doesn’t seem remorseful,” she said. “He tried to say sorry, but his actions don’t say sorry. It shattered our lives.”

A Case That Highlights the Lethality of Domestic Violence

Prosecutors emphasized that Smith did everything she could to get help, including calling 911 twice as the danger escalated. The case underscores the risks victims face when attempting to escape violent partners—and the critical importance of rapid intervention in domestic violence situations.

Harmon will spend the bulk of his life behind bars, with no possibility of early release before serving decades.

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