BERNALILLO, NM - In a dramatic turn of events, authorities have confirmed the apprehension of 33-year-old Jaremy Smith from South Carolina, the prime suspect in the shooting death of Officer Justin Hare, 35, of the New Mexico State Police.
The arrest comes after an exhaustive pursuit and an officer-involved shooting involving the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, as revealed by the New Mexico State Police on Sunday.
The tragic incident unfolded early Friday morning when Officer Hare responded to assist a motorist with a flat tire on Interstate 40, west of Tucumcari. According to State Police Chief Troy Weisler, a seemingly routine encounter turned deadly when Smith unexpectedly drew a firearm and shot Officer Hare without warning.
Smith then seized control of the patrol vehicle, leaving Officer Hare mortally wounded on the frontage road near the interstate.
"A short conversation ensued about repairing his tire, and Officer Hare offered to give the suspect a ride to town. Then without warning, the suspect pulled out a firearm and shot Officer Hare," Weisler said.
In a chilling revelation, investigators have uncovered a connection between Smith and another crime: the death of a woman in South Carolina identified as paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore. Her body was discovered outside Lake View in Dillon County, prompting parallel investigations into both cases.
The white BMW driven by Smith at the time of the shooting belonged to Machado-Fore, further complicating the ongoing probe.
“Mrs. Fore was one of us, a fellow first responder,” Marion County Sheriff Brian Wallace said in a statement. “Her death is senseless. Our community has suffered a tremendous loss. My team and I will not stop until we bring the person or persons responsible for her death to justice.”
New Mexico State Police swiftly issued an arrest warrant for Smith, charging him with a litany of offenses including first-degree murder, armed robbery, and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. Despite the intensive manhunt, Smith remained at large until his recent capture, prompting a statewide sigh of relief and a renewed sense of determination to secure justice for Officer Hare and Machado-Fore.
Officer Hare, a devoted member of the state police force since 2018, leaves behind grieving parents, a girlfriend, and two young children.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales echoed sentiments of sorrow and solidarity with Officer Hare's loved ones, emphasizing the profound impact of his sacrifice on the community. The somber procession escorting Officer Hare's body to the University of New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator stands as a solemn tribute to his selfless service and unwavering dedication to protecting others.
“Officer Hare died serving his state and his community," State Police Chief Weisler sorrowfully said. "On a cold, dark and windy morning, he offered help to a person he thought was in need. That person killed him in cold blood.”
In a solemn plea to the suspect, State Police Chief Weisler reiterated the commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice, urging Smith to surrender peacefully. The arrest of Jaremy Smith marks a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation, offering a glimmer of hope in the quest for closure and healing for all those affected by these tragic events.
“Officer Hare died serving his state and his community," State Police Chief Weisler sorrowfully said. "On a cold, dark and windy morning, he offered help to a person he thought was in need. That person killed him in cold blood.”
The community continues to mourn the loss of Officer Hare while also expressing gratitude for the diligent efforts of law enforcement in bringing the suspect to justice. Amidst the grief and sadness, there is a shared determination to honor Officer Hare's memory by upholding the values of service, sacrifice, and justice that he embodied throughout his life.
The arrest comes after an exhaustive pursuit and an officer-involved shooting involving the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, as revealed by the New Mexico State Police on Sunday.
The tragic incident unfolded early Friday morning when Officer Hare responded to assist a motorist with a flat tire on Interstate 40, west of Tucumcari. According to State Police Chief Troy Weisler, a seemingly routine encounter turned deadly when Smith unexpectedly drew a firearm and shot Officer Hare without warning.
Smith then seized control of the patrol vehicle, leaving Officer Hare mortally wounded on the frontage road near the interstate.
"A short conversation ensued about repairing his tire, and Officer Hare offered to give the suspect a ride to town. Then without warning, the suspect pulled out a firearm and shot Officer Hare," Weisler said.
In a chilling revelation, investigators have uncovered a connection between Smith and another crime: the death of a woman in South Carolina identified as paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore. Her body was discovered outside Lake View in Dillon County, prompting parallel investigations into both cases.
The white BMW driven by Smith at the time of the shooting belonged to Machado-Fore, further complicating the ongoing probe.
“Mrs. Fore was one of us, a fellow first responder,” Marion County Sheriff Brian Wallace said in a statement. “Her death is senseless. Our community has suffered a tremendous loss. My team and I will not stop until we bring the person or persons responsible for her death to justice.”
New Mexico State Police swiftly issued an arrest warrant for Smith, charging him with a litany of offenses including first-degree murder, armed robbery, and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. Despite the intensive manhunt, Smith remained at large until his recent capture, prompting a statewide sigh of relief and a renewed sense of determination to secure justice for Officer Hare and Machado-Fore.
Officer Hare, a devoted member of the state police force since 2018, leaves behind grieving parents, a girlfriend, and two young children.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales echoed sentiments of sorrow and solidarity with Officer Hare's loved ones, emphasizing the profound impact of his sacrifice on the community. The somber procession escorting Officer Hare's body to the University of New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator stands as a solemn tribute to his selfless service and unwavering dedication to protecting others.
“Officer Hare died serving his state and his community," State Police Chief Weisler sorrowfully said. "On a cold, dark and windy morning, he offered help to a person he thought was in need. That person killed him in cold blood.”
In a solemn plea to the suspect, State Police Chief Weisler reiterated the commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice, urging Smith to surrender peacefully. The arrest of Jaremy Smith marks a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation, offering a glimmer of hope in the quest for closure and healing for all those affected by these tragic events.
“Officer Hare died serving his state and his community," State Police Chief Weisler sorrowfully said. "On a cold, dark and windy morning, he offered help to a person he thought was in need. That person killed him in cold blood.”
The community continues to mourn the loss of Officer Hare while also expressing gratitude for the diligent efforts of law enforcement in bringing the suspect to justice. Amidst the grief and sadness, there is a shared determination to honor Officer Hare's memory by upholding the values of service, sacrifice, and justice that he embodied throughout his life.
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