Jaremy Smith, a South Carolina man, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of New Mexico state police officer Justin Hare. Smith had pleaded guilty to charges including carjacking resulting in death, using a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a stolen firearm. Smith is also facing charges in South Carolina for another carjacking and murder. Despite federal prosecutors opting not to pursue the death penalty, it may be considered in the pending state case in South Carolina.
Smith shot Officer Hare in March 2024 along Interstate 40, using a stolen gun from a previous carjacking. Hare had stopped to help Smith with a flat tire when he was shot multiple times and pushed into the passenger seat of his patrol car. Smith then drove away, leaving Hare fatally injured on the side of the road. Hare, a father of three, had been with the state police agency since 2018.
The BMW that Smith was driving had been reported missing in South Carolina, and it belonged to Phonesia Machado-Fore, a 52-year-old paramedic who was found dead in a neighboring county. Authorities were able to track Smith’s movements through cellphone and GPS data.
Smith had a long criminal history, including time in prison for attempted armed robbery and hostage-taking. He had been released on parole shortly before the murder of Officer Hare. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison stated that Smith’s actions had left a trail of destruction across state lines, but the sentencing ensures that he will never again be able to endanger the lives of others.
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