A South Carolina man has pleaded guilty to the fatal shooting of a New Mexico state police officer in a shocking carjacking incident along Interstate 40. The plea, entered Friday in a U.S. District Court in Albuquerque, ensures a life sentence without parole for the crime.
Guilty Plea Secured in Court
Jaremy Smith, accused of gunning down Officer Justin Hare on March 15, 2024, admitted guilt as part of a plea agreement with federal prosecutors. The 29-year-old’s guilty plea avoids a trial initially set for later this year.
Smith faced charges of kidnapping and carjacking resulting in death, using a firearm in a violent crime, and possession of a stolen firearm. A related charge of driving a stolen vehicle across state lines was dropped under the agreement.
Law Enforcement and Family React
Dozens of New Mexico state police officers, along with Officer Hare’s parents, attended the courtroom proceedings. Jim Hare, the officer’s father, expressed relief at the resolution, calling Smith “a sorry excuse of a human being.”
New Mexico Public Safety Secretary Jason Bowie assured Hare’s family of ongoing support throughout the sentencing process. Bowie also criticized state statutes for failing to adequately punish violent crimes like the murder of a police officer, calling for legislative reforms.
The Fatal Incident on I-40
The killing occurred in the early hours of March 15 near Tucumcari, New Mexico. Officer Hare had stopped to assist Smith, whose vehicle, a stolen white BMW, appeared to have a flat tire. According to dashcam footage, Hare offered to give Smith a ride to the nearest town. Moments later, Smith shot the officer, returned to shoot him again, and commandeered Hare’s patrol vehicle.
Hare was later discovered fatally injured on a frontage road, succumbing to his wounds despite being found alive. The 35-year-old officer, a father and state police member since 2018, was mourned by colleagues and community members.
Connection to South Carolina Murder
Authorities revealed the BMW Smith drove had been reported stolen in South Carolina. The vehicle belonged to 52-year-old paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore, who was found murdered outside Lake View, South Carolina. Smith faces separate charges in South Carolina for her killing.
Justice Without Death Penalty
While U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland opted not to pursue the death penalty in the federal case, Smith could still face capital punishment for the South Carolina charges. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez noted the federal plea ensures Smith will never leave prison.