Aiken County authorities have charged Jamilla Smith’s ex-boyfriend with her murder while they continue searching for her.
Saturday’s announcement of a new charge against Daniel Harmon comes as investigators revealed new details on the day she went missing. They also spelled out why they presume she was murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend, including blood found in his rented vehicle.
Harmon was taken into custody Dec. 5 for domestic violence and Smith’s family have not heard from her since reporting her missing. Later, in the missing person investigation, investigators obtained an arrested warrant charging Harmon with kidnapping her.
Authorities say Harmon likely killed the victim on the evening of Dec. 2 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.”
The next day, Tina McCraw, Jamilla’s mother, reported her missing. When police located Harmon in North Augusta, his rented Dodge Charger was seized. During the search, suspected blood was located in the spare tire area of the trunk. Swabs were taken from the vehicle and sent to state lab and known samples of Smiths.
“Search warrants were obtained for Jamilla Smith’s cell phone and the results show no activity since December 2,” the report says.
Authorities say they believe Harmon killed her, especially since her family has not heard from her in weeks.
“This is not consistent with Jamilla Smith’s known behavior. Tina McCraw, Jamilla Smith’s mother, speaks with her daughter several times a day. Jamilla Smith has not reached out to either of her two children, her father Jame Smith, nor any of her siblings. Jamilla Smith has had no cell phone activity since December 2,” the report says.
Also, Harmon was found to have hit Jamilla Smith with a vehicle and did not transport her to the hospital.
If anyone has any information on this investigation, they are encouraged to contact the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office at 803-648-6811. Tipsters can also send a message about this case by going to www.aikencountysheriff.net .
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