Scott M. Horton, 59, of Lexington County, has been sentenced to 45 years in prison  for domestic violence murder. 

His common law wife, Patricia Smerdell, died in June 2020 from blunt force trauma to the head, according to a release from the 11th Circuit Solicitor's Office. 

Horton originally said that he found Smerdell on the floor when he got home from work the previous night.

"He stated that he observed bruising on her face, placed a blanket over her, and left her in the floor overnight," the release read. "Four days later, in a second interview with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Horton made inconsistent statements about when he first found his wife injured on the floor."

Smerdell had sustained over 30 separate injuries inconsistent with a fall, according to the release, "including multiple patterned injuries consistent with the use of a blunt force tool or instrument. The pathologist noted injuries to the victim’s head, face, ear, chin, torso, shoulder, hip, and lower back."

It wasn't until the morning of June 20 that Horton called 9-1-1, reporting that his wife was unresponsive and on the floor not breathing. 

"Deputies with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department arrived at the couple’s home located at 105 Wynnsum Trail following the 911 call," according to the release. "Upon entering the residence, first responders noted that Patricia Smerdell had been deceased for several hours and had numerus bruises across her face and body." 

Circuit Court Judge Debra R. McCaslin imposed the 45-year sentence following Horton's conviction of murder in the beating death of his common law wife. The jury returned the guilty verdict of murder on Friday, June 19, 2026.

"At trial, it was established that Scott Horton and Patricia Smerdell were the only two occupants of the home," according to the release. "There were no signs of a burglary, no signs of forced entry, and no items of value were missing from the home. Evidence set forth that the couple had a history of animosity, including testimony from a neighbor that he heard frequent arguments between the pair. Law enforcement was previously called to the residence in 2017 and 2018 due to civil disputes between the couple."

Horton will not be eligible for parole.

This case was prosecuted by 11th Circuit Deputy Solicitor Suzanne Mayes and Assistant Solicitor Jordan Cox. The case was investigated by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.

"During the sentencing phase, the family of Patricia Smerdell shared photographs and memories of her as a mother, sister, and business professional," according to the release. "If you or someone you know is in need of services or experiencing domestic violence, you may reach the Sistercare Crisis Line at (803) 765-9428."