40 Years for EHT Man Who Killed Girlfriend with a Hammer

An Egg Harbor Township man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for the brutal killing of his girlfriend in November of 2017.

According to Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon Tyner, Lashaun Smith, 36, received the sentence as part of his plea to the murder of Sarah Phillips, 28.

Tyner says, "Judge DeLury entered a non-negotiated agreement for a 40 year sentence in New Jersey state prison and 85% of the sentence must be served, subject to the No Early Release Act."

Smith had stated that he struck Phillips in the head four times while she slept. On November 3, 2017 a 911 call brought Egg Harbor Township Police to their Zion Road residence. Phillips was pronounced dead at the scene.