A Morrisville man was sentenced on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, to serve 23 ½ to 47 years in state prison for killing 39-year-old Jamie Beighley inside a Falls Township motel in July 2021.
Evan Marquis Smith, 39, was convicted in September during a three-day waiver trial on charges of third-degree murder, aggravated assault, strangulation, recklessly endangering another person, simple assault, fleeing and eluding and driving without headlights to avoid detection.
Before handing down the sentence, Common Pleas Judge Raymond F. McHugh heard impact statements from the Beighley’s sister, brother, mother, and best friend, calling her a loving mother of five who was always there for family and friends who needed her. “She was my best friend and biggest supporter,” her younger sister said, breaking down crying as she read her statement.
Beighley’s loved ones called for McHugh to sentence Smith to the maximum sentence allowed, describing him as a monster, manipulative and a “true danger to society and his kids.”