Jamilla Smith Cause of Death Announced
Jamilla Smith called 911 December 2 to report her former boyfriend had broken into her home on Old Jackson Highway in Aiken and was chasing her down the road.
The 911 operator heard Jamilla pleading for help and begging the person chasing her not to hurt her.
It wasn’t until last week that her remains were found buried in a wooded area off Silver Bluff Road, about 10 minutes from her house.
Today, Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables said an autopsy confirmed Jamilla died from gunshot wounds to the head.
Three days after Jamilla’s disappearance, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office arrested her ex-boyfriend, Daniel Harmon, at a home on Carpentersville Road. He was charged with kidnapping and domestic violence and was taken to the Aiken County Detention Center. Within days, investigators said they had enough evidence to charge Harmon with Jamilla’s murder, though her body hadn’t been found. A $5,000 reward was offered for information leading to Jamilla’s whereabouts.
Since then, two more arrests were made in connection with the case. The Sheriff’s Office charged 35-year-old Bryan Alexander Hampton of Augusta and 46-year-old Clyde James Hendley II, both with Accessory After the Fact to Murder.
Tips Lead to Investigators Finding Jamilla’s Body
Jamilla Smith was found in an area that had been searched previously, one where she had last been seen.
The initial search turned up nothing, but tips in the case led them back to that area for another search.
“We’ve been out to that location before, but after we received some more significant information to pinpoint her location searchers were able to go straight to where she was buried,” said Captain Eric Abdullah of the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office.
The Investigation Continues
Jamilla’s body has been found, the autopsy is complete and 3 people are in custody in connection with her death. Authorities say that doesn’t mean the case is closed.
“Even though we’ve got an arrest, we have her recovered, doesn’t necessarily mean that it stops. The investigation is complete when this case goes to trial,” said Abdullah.
