Upon arrival officers observed the defendant, Evan Smith, performing CPR on the unresponsive victim. Smith became combative and uncooperative with first responders prior to fleeing the scene in a vehicle. Officers pursued Smith for a short time before terminating the pursuit in the interest of public safety. The victim, 36 year old Jamie Beighley, was found lying on the floor of the motel room without a pulse when first responders arrived.
Police observed blood around the victim’s head and face area, as well as her hands. After establishing a pulse, Beighley was transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center where she remains on life support in the Intensive Care Unit. A short time later, police apprehended Smith in the area of Hunter Drive in Morrisville. Smith told police that the couple engaged in a heated verbal argument prior to engaging in sexual activity, at which time Smith choked Beighley to the point of unconsciousness. Medical reports indicate that Beighley’s injuries are consistent with strangulation.
Smith has been charged with Aggravated Assault, Strangulation, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Simple Assault, and Fleeing and Eluding. Smith was arraigned in front of Judge Kronnegal and is being held at the Bucks County Correctional Facility in lieu of $500,000.00 cash bail.