AIKEN, SC. ( )- Emotions ran high in a tense courtroom on Friday morning as Daniel Harmon faced his sentencing nearly two years after the tragic kidnapping and murder of his partner of seven years.

“I’m relieved the deal was finalized, but it still doesn’t feel like enough—not enough for her life,” expressed Tina McGraw, the mother of Jamilla Smith.

Under a plea agreement, Harmon will serve 30 years for the kidnapping charge and an additional 45 years for the murder.

These sentences will be carried out consecutively.

Family members took turns at the podium to address the judge, many struggling to hold back tears as they shared their heartfelt statements.

“It still hurts, but I’m relieved that it’s finally come to an end. We’ve been suffering for over 2 years, so I’m glad that this decision was finally made today,” said Vivian Downs, Smith’s grandmother.

Smith was first reported missing on December 2nd, 2023 after she called 9-1-1 for a domestic incident involving Harmon. 

The case was later updated to a homicide, and Harmon was charged with murder, domestic violence, and kidnapping.

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office later arrested two more men, Alexander Hampton Jr. and Clyde Hendley, for helping Harmon dispose of Smith’s body. 

Investigators then found Smith’s remains in a wooded area off of Silver Bluff Road in May 2024. 

Other family members say while difficult, they’re choosing to forgive Jamilla’s killer.

“I’m not giving him any control. He will not ruin any more days of my life, I will not be filled with hate, anger or bitterness, because when you live like that there is no joy. She was light and joy, and that’s what I want to present to the world,” said Alexis Powell-Yearby, Smith’s aunt.

Smith was 30 years old and leaves behind two children.

Harmon is the father of Smith’s youngest child.

This will be the 3rd Christmas the family will have without her—they say they will continue her legacy and remember who she was every day. 

“Bright, free-spirited, awesome, amazing. I’m not just saying that because she was special to us, but everybody who came across her said the same thing about her. People that we didn’t know, people that she’s come across in her life. She was very special,” said Pierre McGraw, Sr., Smith’s stepfather.

Smith’s family says they’ve been thinking of other ways they want to remember her.

They say they’re having conversations about providing resources to help other victims of domestic violence. 

Jamilla Smith Disappearance Investigation Timeline: