An Atlantic County Grand Jury has returned an indictment against an Egg Harbor Township man for the murder of his girlfriend last month, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced.
According to authorities, Lashawn Smith, 36, has been indicted on charges of first degree Murder, third degree Possession of a Weapon and fourth degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in connection to the death of his girlfriend 28 year-old Sarah Phillips.
The Egg Harbor Township Police Department on November 3rd, received a 911 call at 5:04 a.m., in reference to an injured female inside the residence at 4 S. Zion Road, Egg Harbor Township. Egg Harbor Township Police officers responded and located the woman who was ultimately identified as Phillips. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A subsequent investigation by Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Egg Harbor Township Police Department resulted in the arrest of Smith and it is alleged Smith struck Phillips multiple times with a hammer. An autopsy of Phillips was completed and the cause of death was determined to be multiple blunt and sharp force injuries and the manner is homicide.
According to authorities, Smith remains in custody at the Atlantic County Justice Facility, following a detention hearing last month.
Anyone with information involving serious crimes is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or go to the Prosecutor’s Office Web site at http://www.acpo.org/tips.html and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page. People can also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.
These charges are merely an accusation and not proof of guilt. In all criminal cases, a charged defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.