JACKSON, S.C. — Aiken County authorities have secured a murder charge against a man in connection with the disappearance of a South Carolina woman.
The Aiken County Sheriff's Office charged 34-year-old Daniel Gabriel Harmon with murder in the death of Jamilla "Millie" Shanae' Smith.
The sheriff's office said Smith and Harmon of Jackson were reported missing after the family lost contact with them on Dec. 2. In Saturday's update, the sheriff's office said Harmon was arrested on Dec. 5 in the 400 block of Carpentersville Road on a charge of second-degree domestic violence. The investigation continued, and Harmon was charged with kidnapping in relation to Smith's disappearance.
A newly released warrant affidavit accuses Harmon of killing Smith of killing Smith in the 400 block of Old Jackson Highway around the time they both went missing. The affidavit said that, in a 911 call placed by Smith on Dec. 2, she alleged her ex-boyfriend had broken into her home and was chasing her.
The affidavit states that Smith sounded out of breath and, when the dispatcher asked where she could meet a deputy, a car engine revved, and Smith screamed. The affidavit said a male voice could be heard telling Smith to get into the car so he could take her to the emergency room.
The male voice alleges Smith jumped in front of the car as she denies the claim and demands the man leave her alone.
The affidavit continues that her mother reported her missing on Dec. 3, and a search for a black Dodge Charger Harmon was renting began the next day. On Dec. 5, the vehicle was located in front of a home on Carpentersville Road with a cover over it. They found Harmon inside the home. A warranted search of the car the next day uncovered suspected blood in the trunk. Results of a DNA test completed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division were sent to Aiken County investigators on Sunday. The results of the tests were redacted in the warrant affidavit.
Authorities said there has been no activity on Smith's phone since Dec. 2, and her family, including her mother, who spoke with her regularly, has not heard from her since that day. She has also not contacted her children, father or siblings.
The affidavit states that investigators believe Harmon hit her with the vehicle and didn't take her to the hospital.
Anyone with additional information about the case can call the Aiken County Sheriff's Department at 803-648-6811 or visit the sheriff's office website.
