Lexington Co. man sentenced in domestic violence murder

Lexington Co., S.C. (WOLO)– Officials with the 11th Circuit Solicitor’s Office say Scott Horton, 59, was sentenced to 45 years in prison for the murder of his common law wife Patricia Smerdell.

According to the Lexington Co. Sheriff’s Department, on June 20, 2020 Horton called 911 reporting Smerdell was not breathing and was unresponsive on the floor.

When deputies arrived they say Smerdell had been dead for several hours and had bruises on her face and body.

Officials say an autopsy found more than 30 separate injuries to Smerdell’s head, face, ear, chin, torso, shoulder, hip, and lower back. The cause of death was ruled homicide.

At trial, officials say Horton and Smerdell were the only people who lived in the home and there were no signs of burglary, forced entry, or stolen items.

Officers also responded to disputes between the couple in ’17 and ’18.

Horton is now in the custody of the SC Dept. of Corrections.