Scott M. Horton arrived home from work to find his 56-year-old common-law wife dead on the floor of their South Carolina residence. Rather than call authorities immediately, he covered Patricia Smerdell with a blanket and spent the night in the house before dialing 911 the next morning.
Background
The attack occurred on June 19, 2020, at the couple's home on Wynnsum Trail in Lexington, a suburb approximately 15 miles west of Columbia. When Horton made the emergency call that Saturday morning, he told dispatchers his wife was on the floor and not moving or breathing.
"Upon entering the residence, first responders noted that Patricia Smerdell had been deceased for several hours and had numerous bruises across her face and body," according to a press release from the Lexington County Sheriff's Office.
At first, Horton claimed he had just arrived home from work and discovered his wife unresponsive. "He stated that he observed bruising on her face, placed a blanket over her, and left her in the floor overnight." Four days later, however, his account shifted as investigators noted inconsistencies "about when he first found his wife injured on the floor," authorities said.
The Investigation
The Medical University of South Carolina conducted an autopsy on June 23, 2020. Forensic pathologist Dr. Angelina Phillips documented more than 30 separate injuries to Smerdell's body, including multiple patterned injuries consistent with a blunt force tool or instrument.
"The pathologist determined that the numerous injuries were inconsistent with a fall," the sheriff's office stated. The cause of death was ruled blunt force trauma to the head; the manner of death was homicide.
Investigators established Horton and Smerdell were the only occupants in the Wynnsum Trail residence on the night in question, with no signs of burglary or forced entry. Evidence presented at trial revealed a history of animosity between the couple, including testimony from a neighbor who reported hearing frequent arguments. Law enforcement had previously responded to disputes at the home in 2017 and 2018.
The Verdict
In late June 2025, a jury in Lexington County convicted Horton, 59, on one count of murder. On March 6, Circuit Court Judge Debra R. McCaslin sentenced him to 45 years in prison. Horton is not eligible for parole.
During the sentencing phase, Smerdell's family shared photographs and memories honoring her as a mother, sister, and business professional, according to the sheriff's office.
Key Takeaways
- Scott M. Horton, 59, was convicted of murder for killing his common-law wife Patricia Smerdell in June 2020
- He covered her body with a blanket and remained in the residence overnight before calling 911 the following morning
- The autopsy documented over 30 injuries inconsistent with a fall, including blunt force trauma to the head
- Prior law enforcement visits to the home occurred in 2017 and 2018 due to domestic disputes between the couple
- Horton received a 45-year prison sentence with no possibility of parole
What's Next
Horton will serve his sentence within the South Carolina Department of Corrections. The case was prosecuted by the 11th Circuit Solicitor's Office.