NMSP: Suspect in police murder has criminal history, ‘person of interest’ in woman’s death
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – A man has been accused of killing a police officer in New Mexico on Friday. More details have been released about the suspect.
New Mexico State Police (NMSP) has identified Jaremy Smith, 32, of Marion, South Carolina, as the suspect in the shooting of Officer Justin Hare.
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NMSP Chief Troy Weisler said around 5 a.m. Friday, Officer Hare was sent to help a motorist with a flat tire on I-40 near mile marker 320, west of Tucumcari.
Officer Hare parked behind the vehicle, a white BMW. Jaremy Smith, 32, then approached the officer’s passenger side window.
“Officer Hare offered to give the suspect a ride to town, then, without warning, the suspect pulled out a firearm and shot Officer Hare. The suspect then walked to the driver’s side and shot Officer Hare again,” said Chief Weisler.
The chief also claimed Smith pushed Officer Hare to the passenger seat and took off in the officer’s patrol car. An officer found the unit crashed on the side of the road, and Hare was not inside. They believe Smith fled on foot. Officer Hare was found on a frontage road near milepost 312. He was taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead in the 7 a.m. hour.
“The last words Officer Hare uttered on this earth was an offer to help the man who was about to kill him. I am disgusted and sickened by the actions of this cold-blooded murderer. We are bringing every resource to bear to bring Officer Hare’s killer to justice and we will not rest until that is done,” said Chief Weisler.
Police are still searching for Smith, and they said he has ties to the area because he’s been to Albuquerque before.
NMSP has issued an arrest warrant for the 32-year-old, charging him with first-degree murder, armed robbery, shooting at or from a motor vehicle, tampering with evidence, felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, and criminal damage to property.
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Smith has a criminal history including taking hostages and rioting in jail, burglary, breaking and entering, armed robberies, resisting/evading police officers, auto theft, and shooting at/from a motor vehicle.
Authorities also confirmed the vehicle he was using, the white BMW, belonged to a woman who was found dead in South Carolina. She was a paramedic named Phonesia Machado-Fore.
Officer Hare is the first New Mexico State Police Officer to be killed in the line of duty since Officer Darrian Jarrott in February of 2021.
“Officer Hare died serving his state and his community. 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,” said Chief Weisler.
The suspect is considered armed and dangerous; community members are advised not to approach him. Anyone with information is asked to contact NMSP, 911, or Crime Stoppers at 505-843-7867.
