A man from New Mexico has been sentenced to life in prison without the chance for parole after he shot and killed a state police officer who had stopped to assist him with a flat tire.
The sentencing of Jaremy Smith comes as part of a deal he reached with prosecutors earlier this year. He pleaded guilty to several serious charges, including kidnapping resulting in death and carjacking resulting in death, among others.
In August 2024, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland decided not to seek the death penalty against Smith, as noted in court documents.
On March 15, 2024, Officer Justin Hare was sent to the U.S. Interstate 40 near Tucumcari after reports of a car obstructing the roadway. Upon his arrival at around 5 a.m., Officer Hare activated his patrol car’s lights and approached Smith, who asked for help with his flat tire.
Officer Hare offered to take Smith into town, as no shops were open at that early hour. However, when Hare asked Smith to move in front of his car, Smith shot him multiple times. Despite being injured, Hare was still alive as Smith forcibly took control of his patrol vehicle.
Documents indicate that Smith drove the patrol car for a brief time before stopping, dragging Hare from the car, and leaving him on the ground. Emergency responders found Officer Hare using a duress signal but unfortunately, he was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
Smith then fled on foot, stole a flatbed truck, and made his way to Albuquerque. He was eventually caught after entering a gas station, where a clerk recognized him from his ID that had been shared in the media.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellsion commented on Smith’s actions, stating that his violent crimes endangered many lives, including those of first responders. Ellison emphasized that the sentence serves as a reminder that violence against public servants will not be tolerated.
Interestingly, just days prior to killing Officer Hare, Smith is also believed to have murdered a 52-year-old paramedic in South Carolina. He now faces additional charges related to her murder in that state.
