Jaremy Smith, 33, described by authorities as a “cold-blooded killer,” has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the brutal killing of New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare during a violent cross-country crime spree.
Smith’s life sentence comes after he pleaded guilty in January 2025 to multiple charges related to Hare’s death, including carjacking resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death, and using a firearm during a crime of violence.
A Deadly Cross-Country Rampage
Smith’s terrifying crime spree began in South Carolina, where he allegedly kidnapped and murdered Phonesia Machado-Fore, a 54-year-old paramedic. Court documents reveal Smith forced her to wear a dog shock collar and blindfolded her before walking her into the woods and shooting her execution-style in the back of the head.
After her murder, Smith allegedly stole Machado-Fore’s BMW and weapons from her home, setting off a series of violent crimes that would span multiple states.
On March 15, 2024, Smith was driving through New Mexico when Officer Hare stopped to assist him with a flat tire on Interstate 40. What Hare did not know was that Smith was a fugitive on the run from Machado-Fore’s murder.
The Murder of Officer Justin Hare
In his own chilling confession, Smith detailed the encounter:
“I explained to Officer Hare that I had a flat tire. Officer Hare offered to drive me into the nearest town. While standing at the passenger window of his police cruiser, I shot Officer Hare once in the head with the Taurus 9mm firearm. I then walked around to the driver’s side and shot him two additional times,” Smith admitted in court.
Smith then stole Hare’s police cruiser, driving with Hare still inside before abandoning the officer’s body on a remote frontage road. He continued driving the cruiser to facilitate his escape, even leaving the emergency lights flashing as he fled.
Court Documents Reveal a Pattern of Violence
Prosecutors described Smith’s criminal history as one of “lawlessness, violence, and mayhem.” In addition to Hare’s murder, Smith faces 17 charges in South Carolina connected to Machado-Fore’s death and the series of armed robberies, burglaries, and carjackings he allegedly committed while on the run.
Authorities called Smith’s actions the culmination of a lifelong pattern of violence, stating:
“From murder to robbery, hostage-taking to burglary, and carjacking to larceny, Smith has managed in his 34 years to inflict incalculable suffering to those unfortunate enough to cross his path.”
Facing Further Justice in South Carolina
While Smith has been sentenced for Hare’s murder, he now faces an upcoming trial in South Carolina for Machado-Fore’s death and a string of other violent charges. Prosecutors there have not ruled out pursuing the death penalty.
If convicted, Smith could face capital punishment for his alleged crimes in South Carolina, including charges of murder, kidnapping, criminal conspiracy, grand larceny, and burglary.
A Nation Mourns Its Heroes
New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler called Smith a “ruthless murderer” whose actions robbed the nation of two public servants — a paramedic and a police officer — who dedicated their lives to helping others.
The life sentence brings some closure to the families of the victims, but the pain caused by Smith’s trail of violence will leave a lasting impact on the communities affected.