Jaremy Smith, Murder, New Mexico 2024

South Carolina Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole in New Mexico State Police Officer’s Murder

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico – Jaremy Smith pleaded guilty today to multiple federal charges in connection with the murder of New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare.

According to court documents, on March 13, 2024, Smith abducted a woman from her home in South Carolina, transported her in a stolen vehicle, and fatally shot her with a handgun that he had stolen from her roommate. After committing the murder, Smith fled across state lines to evade prosecution, traveling through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas before entering New Mexico.

On March 15, 2024, in Quay County, New Mexico, Smith fatally shot New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare after Officer Hare stopped to assist him with a flat tire. Smith then stole Officer Hare’s police cruiser with the wounded officer inside, driving for several minutes before abandoning the vehicle and the critically injured Officer Hare on a remote road. Officer Hare succumbed to his injuries at a hospital later that morning.

Law enforcement immediately launched a coordinated effort across multiple jurisdictions to locate Smith, and his name and photograph were widely disseminated by media news outlets. Smith was apprehended in Albuquerque on March 17, 2024, by deputies from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office after a gas station employee recognized Smith and contacted law enforcement.

“A life sentence for a life taken does not make our community whole. But the best way to honor Justin Hare’s life is to take care of each other,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez. “Today, I commit myself to the people of New Mexico. In the memory of a brave State Police officer whose final act was to help another. In honor of the hundreds of law enforcement officers who worked around the clock to protect this community and do justice for their fallen brother. And in the footsteps of the gas station clerks, everyday citizens, who bravely did the right thing in the face of clear and present danger. It is time for us all to join these strangers who did the right thing for people they never met.”

Jaremy Smith pleaded guilty to five counts, including carjacking resulting in death, using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, kidnapping resulting in death, being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and possession of a stolen firearm. Smith will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Smith faces a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole. The U.S. Attorney has previously determined that it will not seek the death penalty for Smith for the incidents that occurred in New Mexico.

The FBI, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, and New Mexico State Police all played a critical role in bringing Smith to justice. “All too often, first responders are called upon to sacrifice their lives to protect their communities. Smith’s actions have had a devastating, life-long impact on the victim’s families,” said Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “The FBI will continue to work with our partner agencies to use all available resources to make sure that violent and dangerous criminals are pursued to the fullest extent of the law.”

Officer Justin Hare’s sacrifice exemplifies the unwavering courage of law enforcement. This plea underscores our commitment to justice through relentless collaboration across state lines,” said NM DPS Secretary Jason R. Bowie. “Officer Justin Hare and Ms. Machado-Fore were tragically killed by Jaremy Smith. While nothing can undo this heartbreaking loss, today offers a measure of justice for their friends and family,” said Troy Weisler, Chief of the New Mexico State Police. “Thanks to the efforts of our law enforcement partners and the support of the community, Jaremy Smith will never again take a breath as a free man, and that is as it should be.”

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