Table of Contents

Man Pleads Guilty to Murdering SC Woman and New Mexico Police Officer

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Crime and Cask News) — Jaremy Smith has pleaded guilty to multiple federal murder charges in a plea agreement that will result in a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico.

Court documents reveal that on March 13, 2024, Smith abducted Machado-Fore, a South Carolina resident, from her home in Charleston. He stole her roommate’s handgun and fatally shot her during her forced transport in a stolen vehicle. Smith fled the scene, initiating a multi-state journey through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas before arriving in New Mexico.

Two days later, on March 15, Smith fatally shot New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare in Quay County. Officer Hare, a resident of Tucumcari, New Mexico, had stopped to assist Smith with a flat tire when Smith opened fire, critically injuring him. Smith then stole Officer Hare’s police cruiser and abandoned the vehicle with the wounded officer inside on a remote road. Officer Hare succumbed to his injuries later that morning at a nearby hospital.

Smith’s plea agreement confirmed that he premeditated the murders of both victims. Additionally, Smith admitted to threatening civilians in Louisiana and Texas during his flight, further endangering lives and prompting advisories in those areas.

Smith was captured in Albuquerque on March 17, 2024, after a gas station employee recognized him and alerted the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. A coordinated effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies ultimately led to his arrest. As part of the plea deal, Smith waived his rights to appeal and agreed to cooperate with ongoing investigations into his crime spree.

Officials Respond

“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 M.M. Uballez. “Today, I commit myself to the people of New Mexico. In honor of a brave State Police officer whose final act was to help another and the citizens who stood up in the face of danger, we continue to strive for justice.”

Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, acknowledged the gravity of the crimes, stating, “Smith’s actions have had a devastating, life-long impact on the victims’ families. The FBI will continue to work with our partners to ensure violent and dangerous criminals face the full extent of the law.”

“Officer Hare’s sacrifice exemplifies the unwavering courage of law enforcement,” said New Mexico Department of Public Safety Secretary Jason R. Bowie. “This plea underscores our commitment to justice through relentless collaboration across state lines.”

New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler expressed gratitude to those who brought Smith to justice. “While nothing can undo this heartbreaking loss, today offers a measure of justice for their friends and family. Thanks to the efforts of law enforcement and the community, Jaremy Smith will never again take a breath as a free man.”

Charges and Sentence

Smith pleaded guilty to five federal 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. As part of the plea agreement, Smith will serve a life sentence without parole.

The Department of Justice previously announced that it would not seek the death penalty for Smith regarding the incidents in New Mexico. Smith remains in custody pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. The plea agreement also stipulates that Smith provided a full confession and waived his right to appeal the conviction or sentence.

Victim impact statements included in the plea highlight the enduring emotional toll on the families of those killed. These statements will be presented during Smith’s formal sentencing hearing.

Case Investigation

The case underscores the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies across six states. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office and the New Mexico State Police led the investigation with assistance from the Tenth Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Mysliwiec and Jack Burkhead are prosecuting the case.

For more information, visit the U.S. Attorney’s Office website.