Bucks man convicted of killing girlfriend in Falls Township motel

A Bucks County man was convicted Wednesday, Sept. 7, of killing 39-year-old Jamie Beighley inside a Falls Township motel last summer, the county DA’s office said.

Evan Marquis Smith, 38, of Morrisville, was found guilty by Bucks County Common Pleas Judge Raymond F. McHugh of third-degree murder, aggravated assault, strangulation, recklessly endangering another person, simple assault, fleeing and eluding and driving without headlights to avoid detection. Sentencing was deferred to a later date.

During the three-day waiver trial, a trial without a jury, Bucks County Deputy District Attorney Mary Kate Kohler detailed a history of domestic violence committed by Smith against Beighley, ending with Smith strangling her inside the New Falls Motel on July 1, 2021. She died from her injuries three days later.

During closing arguments, Kohler said it would have taken at least four minutes of deliberate and continued pressure and substantial force to kill Beighley, refuting Smith’s explanation that Beighley died during an accidental choking in the motel room.

“This was personal,” Kohler said. “Jamie was leaving him after 18 years of torture and violence.”

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