AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. — The Aiken County Sheriff's Office announced on Friday that a missing woman's remains have been found after a months-long investigation that has led to multiple arrests and a murder charge.
According to the sheriff's office, investigators recently searched a wooded area in the 2100 block of Silver Bluff Road, where the remains were found and later identified by Coroner Daryll Ables as Jamilla "Millie" Shanae' Smith. Ables also notified Smith's family.
The investigation began on Dec. 3, 2023, when Smith's mother reported her missing. Around that time, the sheriff's office arrested 34-year-old Daniel Gabriel Harmon for second-degree domestic violence. Investigators learned that on Dec. 2, Smith told dispatchers in a 911 call that Harmon had broken into her home and was chasing her with his vehicle. A warranted search of the vehicle found blood. Harmon was charged with kidnapping and murder on Dec. 23.
Authorities have made additional arrests in connection with the case since then, with 35-year-old Bryan Alexander Hapton Jr. turning himself in on April 19 on a charge of accessory to murder after the fact.
On May 2, investigators arrested 46-year-old Clyde James Hendley II of Bath, South Carolina. Authorities said he was also charged with accessory after the fact to murder. Warrants stated Hendley helped dispose of Smith's body and evidence.
The sheriff's office said it is still investigating the case and urges anyone with information to call investigators at 803-648-6811 or provide tips at AikenCountySheriff.net.