New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare responded to a report of a car parked on a highway shoulder, with a man asking for help. After asking Hare for his help to change a flat tire, Jaremy Smith shot him multiple times, killing him instead. Smith has now been sentenced to life in prison without parole.
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According to a U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico release, Smith pleaded guilty to 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 on January 17, 2025. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole on Monday, April 21.
The incident took place on March 15, 2024, as per the attorney's office release. Hare stopped to assist Smith with a flat tire in Tucumcari, New Mexico. After pulling over behind him, Smith exited his car and approached Smith's passenger seat window. After a brief discussion, Hare told Smith to walk with him to the front of his patrol car. However, Smith shot him three times instead.
Smith then entered the Hare's driver seat and drove with him still inside. Eventually, while driving westbound on I-40, Smith removed Hare from the vehicle, leaving him on the side of the road. Smith continued to drive the patrol car until he crashed it into shrubbery.
Hare Dead, Smith Arrested
A second officer received a distress signal from Hare's handheld and drove to the scene. He eventually discovered the abandoned, crashed patrol car. Smith had escaped, and Hare was nowhere to be found. After searching the area, the officer found Hare, still alive. He was rushed to a local hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
Two days later, after attempting to ambush the arresting deputies, Smith was finally arrested, not before attempting to dispose of the murder weapon. As per the release, Smith stole a flatbed truck after crashing the patrol car back on March 15. They were able to retrieve the stolen vehicle, which had ammunition inside.
"Jaremy Smith's violent crime spree left a trail of destruction across state lines, endangering the lives of both the public and first responders," U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellsion said. "Today's sentence serves as a powerful reminder that violence against those who serve and protect the public will not be tolerated. Officer Justin Hare, a hero who saw someone in need and selflessly stepped in to help, paid the ultimate price."
Jaremy Smith is currently facing murder charges in South Carolina. According to court documents, obtained by PEOPLE, Smith allegedly murdered a 52-year-old woman in South Carolina days before killing Justin Hare.
