Rockford man sentenced to life in prison for murder of ex-girlfriend

A Rockford man has been sentenced to life in prison for the fatal shooting of his ex-girlfriend, Ashley Hardin.

Rayshawn Smith, 46, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in October. He was sentenced last week by 17th Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Clifford.

Hardin was reported missing from her Rockford residence in the early morning hours of July 23 by her son, who told police that he and his mother smelled gas and went outside to investigate. He said he saw his mother next to a car, and then she didn't come back inside the home.

Ashley Hardin's mother told the Rockford Register Star that Smith had planned to pour gasoline on the house and light it on fire, but that her 38-year-old daughter caught him in the act and left with him so her three children, who were inside the home, would be safe.

According to court documents, milk jugs containing gasoline were found on the property. At least one of the jugs was poured on the house.

Hardin's body was discovered later that day behind a business in the 5100 block of E. Rockton Road in Roscoe. She had two gunshot wounds and other injuries.

Also later that day, Smith posted a video on Facebook indicating “People are going to wonder why I did what I did” and referred to Hardin in the video. According to police, Smith was then found in his vehicle with evidence linking him to the crime.

Smith had entered an open plea to first-degree murder with a firearm enhancement.

On Dec. 15, Clifford sentenced Smith to 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, which is the maximum possible sentence for first-degree murder, and additionally sentenced him to natural life in prison for the firearm enhancement.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford man sentenced to life in prison for murder of Ashley Hardin