An Egg Harbor Township man who allegedly beat his girlfriend to death with a hammer rejected a final plea deal Thursday.
Lashaun Smith, 37, was offered 40 years if he pleaded guilty to killing 28-year-old Sarah Phillips as they laid in bed Nov. 3, 2017. Their four children were asleep inside the Zion Road home.
Smith answered the judge's questions quietly as he turned down the deal, choosing instead to go to trial.
Jurors in that case will get to hear Smith's 911 call saying someone needed to come to the home “because somebody was bleeding,” ultimately saying he was the reason for the blood.
Superior Court Judge Bernard DeLury previously ruled that Smith's confession to detectives also can be played at his trial.
"I love you and I'm sorry," accused killer says he told girlfriend before attack.
In it he tells the investigators that before striking Phillips he told her, "I love you and I'm sorry."
He also said he used razor blades that were in the medicine cabinet to make cuts to his own arms.
Before Thursday's hearing, Smith met with attorney Stephen Funk, who brought a plea form just in case. But when he came out of the meeting, he was seen showing First Assistant Prosecutor Cary Shill that it wasn't signed.
The state originally offered 50 years, DeLury told Smith. After looking at the facts, the 40 years was offered.
Smith would have had to serve 85 percent, or 34 years.
The trial is set for Jan. 22, the latest is could be under the Speedy Trial Act.
Smith remains in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
https://youtu.be/J_ftzrCGgWw
