Full Story of NMSP Officer Justin Hare’s and the Manhunt for Jaremy Smith

that shocked communities, highlighting police heroism and the relentless pursuit of justice.

FROM SOUTH CAROLINA TO NEW MEXICO: A TRAIL OF CRIME

The story begins in South Carolina with the brutal murder of Phonesia Machado-Fore, a beloved paramedic. On March 12, 2024, Machado-Fore was last seen at her home on Wildwood Loop. Days later, her body was tragically discovered on Jones Drive in Lake View, Dillon County. The 52-year-old South Carolina paramedic’s murder sent shockwaves through the community and set off a criminal investigation.

Jaremy Alexander Smith, a 33-year-old man from Marion, South Carolina, quickly became a person of interest in the case. Authorities learned that Smith had fled South Carolina in Machado-Fore’s white BMW. As law enforcement pieced together the events, Smith’s erratic movements led him across state lines, leaving a trail of suspicion and crime in his wake. The manhunt for Jaremy Smith had officially begun.

Smith was no stranger to law enforcement. His criminal record included charges of domestic violence, drug possession, and theft. In February 2024, Albuquerque police responded to a domestic violence call involving Smith, where he was accused of assaulting a woman. This history painted a troubling picture of a man with a propensity for violence, adding to the urgency of capturing him.

THE FATEFUL ENCOUNTER ON I-40

Smith’s flight from South Carolina ended on March 15, 2024, in New Mexico, where his vehicle broke down on Interstate 40 west of Tucumcari. Stranded with a flat tire in the early morning darkness, Smith waved down passing motorists. Concerned drivers alerted authorities to the suspicious vehicle, and New Mexico State Police Officer Hare was dispatched to the scene.

Officer Hare, a dedicated member of the New Mexico State Police since 2018, arrived around 5:00 a.m. Bodycam and dashcam footage captured the moment Smith approached the patrol car. Officer Hare offered assistance, showing compassion for a man he thought needed help. However, the encounter took a tragic turn. Smith unexpectedly pulled out a firearm, shooting Officer Hare multiple times. Smith then dragged the wounded officer into the patrol car’s passenger seat and fled the scene in the stolen vehicle, leaving a devastating mark on the New Mexico State Police.

The footage from Hare’s bodycam revealed the stark contrast between the officer’s professionalism and Smith’s calculated aggression. Investigators later noted that Smith’s behavior appeared erratic, possibly influenced by drugs or desperation. The incident marked a tragic escalation in Smith’s crime spree.

A DESPERATE ESCAPE AND A SHOCKING DISCOVERY

Smith’s escape in Officers patrol car sparked an immediate response from law enforcement. The stolen vehicle was spotted speeding along Interstate 40, leading to a high-stakes pursuit. Officers found the patrol car crashed off the side of the road near mile marker 312, but Smith was nowhere to be seen.

As officers searched the area, they made a grim discovery. Officer Hare’s gravely injured body was found on the roadside, abandoned by Smith. Despite their efforts to provide medical aid, Hare succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital. His tragic death left the NMSP and the wider community reeling. A statewide manhunt for Smith intensified, with law enforcement determined to bring the fugitive to justice.

Near the crash site, officers found a first responder jacket and two cell phones. One phone belonged to a woman involved in the February domestic violence incident, providing further links to Smith’s past. The discovery of the jacket, similar to one Smith was seen wearing in Albuquerque bodycam footage, added to the mounting evidence against him.

THE RELENTLESS MANHUNT FOR JAREMY SMITH

With Officer Hare’s death confirmed, the focus shifted to capturing Smith. The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department and other agencies joined forces in a massive search effort. Investigators worked tirelessly, using every available resource to track Smith’s movements.

Smith’s desperate attempt to evade capture continued as he stole a white flatbed truck near Cuervo, New Mexico, roughly 13 miles from the crash site. Surveillance footage from a nearby gas station captured him entering the vehicle, confirming his presence in the area. However, law enforcement’s coordinated efforts left little room for escape. A critical breakthrough came when a 911 caller reported spotting Smith walking near an abandoned stretch of highway.

The manhunt captured national attention, with news outlets broadcasting updates on the search. Social media played a significant role, spreading information about Smith’s appearance and urging residents to stay vigilant. The New Mexico State Police issued repeated warnings, emphasizing the danger Smith posed to the public.

BOXING SMITH IN: THE FINAL SHOWDOWN

The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department set up a perimeter to trap Smith. Officers deployed drones and K-9 units, methodically searching the rugged terrain. Smith, exhausted and cornered, attempted to evade capture but found himself boxed in by law enforcement.

During the final confrontation, Smith was shot and subdued. Officers recovered a firearm matching the one used in Officer Hare’s shooting. Despite the violence and chaos he caused, law enforcement showed restraint and professionalism, ensuring Smith was captured alive. His arrest marked the end of a multi-state pursuit that spanned days and left a lasting impact on all involved.

HONORING A FALLEN HERO: OFFICER JUSTIN HARE

As the case concluded, attention turned to honoring Officer Hare. His selfless service and ultimate sacrifice were remembered in a solemn police funeral procession. Colleagues, friends, and family gathered to pay their respects, celebrating his life and legacy. The procession symbolized the unity and resilience of the law enforcement community.

Officer Hare’s funeral was attended by hundreds, including law enforcement officers from across the country. His story resonated with communities far beyond New Mexico, highlighting the daily risks faced by those in uniform. Tributes poured in, with many describing Hare as a dedicated officer, loving family member, and true hero.

The events surrounding Officer Hare’s death underscored the challenges of modern law enforcement. His tragic story serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices officers make to protect their communities. Hare’s legacy lives on, inspiring others to serve with the same courage and compassion.

QUICK SUMMARY OF THE VIDEO DOCUMENTRY ABOUT NMSP OFFICER HARE’S TRAGIC ENCOUNTER WITH JAREMY SMITH

The full story of NMSP Officer Justin Hare begins with a tragic series of events that spanned two states and culminated in a devastating law enforcement tragedy. It all started in South Carolina when Phonesia Machado-Fore, a 52-year-old paramedic, was reported missing. On March 12, 2024, she was last seen at her home in Marion County. Days later, her lifeless body was discovered in Dillon County. Her murder shocked the community, and suspicion quickly fell on Jaremy Alexander Smith, a 33-year-old with a criminal history that included domestic violence and theft. Smith fled the state in Machado-Fore’s white BMW, sparking a multi-state investigation.

Smith’s trail led him to New Mexico, where his vehicle broke down on Interstate 40 near Tucumcari on March 15, 2024. Stranded with a flat tire, Smith attempted to flag down passing motorists, prompting concerned drivers to alert the New Mexico State Police. Officer Justin Hare responded to the scene, displaying the professionalism and dedication for which he was known. However, the encounter turned deadly. Police bodycam footage captured Smith drawing a firearm and shooting Hare multiple times. After injuring the officer, Smith stole Hare’s patrol car, leaving the wounded officer inside.

Smith abandoned Officer Hare along I-40 and continued fleeing in the stolen vehicle. Law enforcement later found the patrol car crashed near mile marker 312, but Smith had escaped on foot. Tragically, Officer Hare was discovered gravely injured along the roadside and later succumbed to his wounds at a nearby hospital. This devastating loss marked the beginning of a Jaremy Smith manhunt that would involve multiple agencies, including the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department.

The evidence trail grew as investigators uncovered items near the crash site, including a first responder jacket and cell phones linking Smith to previous crimes. Smith’s escape continued when he stole a flatbed truck near Cuervo, New Mexico. However, a critical tip from a 911 caller led authorities to his location. In a final coordinated effort, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department and other agencies deployed drones and K-9 units to box Smith in. During the confrontation, Smith was shot and subdued, bringing the manhunt for Jaremy Smith to an end.

The story concludes with the solemn aftermath of Officer Hare’s death. His colleagues, friends, and family honored him in a moving police funeral procession, with law enforcement from across the nation attending to pay their respects. This true crime documentary of betrayal, heroism, and the pursuit of justice highlights the profound sacrifices made by officers like Justin Hare, whose dedication to service will never be forgotten.

The events of this case remain a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement and the resilience required to bring fugitives to justice. The full story of NMSP Officer Justin Hare stands as a testament to his bravery and the impact of his ultimate sacrifice.

Full Story of NMSP Officer Justin Hare