A South Carolina man, Jaremy Smith, has been charged with two federal counts in connection with the killing of a New Mexico state police officer. The charges include carjacking resulting in death and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Smith appeared in court wearing a hospital gown and pants, with his left arm in a sling due to injuries sustained during his capture.
Smith was apprehended following a tip from a gas station clerk, who was commended by U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez for her bravery. The incident occurred after Smith allegedly shot the officer in eastern New Mexico and fled to Albuquerque. He was captured by sheriff's deputies after a foot chase and is currently in federal custody.
Authorities in South Carolina have also linked Smith to the killing of a paramedic, Phonesia Machado-Fore, whose stolen car was involved in the New Mexico officer's death. However, charges have not yet been filed in that case.
The slain officer, Justin Hare, was responding to a call for assistance on Interstate 40 when he was shot by Smith. Hare, who had been with the state police agency since 2018, leaves behind his parents, girlfriend, and two young children. A vigil was held in Tucumcari to honor his memory, with a funeral scheduled for next week.
Smith, with a history of criminal offenses, had spent eight years in prison in South Carolina before being released on parole. The investigation into the tragic events continues as authorities piece together the sequence of events leading to the officer's death.
