South Carolina man, Jaremy Smith, pleaded guilty to gunning down New Mexico state police officer Justin Hare, who had stopped to help him. Smith’s plea agreement includes a mandatory life sentence without parole. Smith had previously pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, but some were dropped as part of the agreement. Hare’s killing in March 2024 led to a manhunt for Smith, who was later captured in Albuquerque. The stolen BMW, involved in the incident, belonged to a South Carolina paramedic who had been killed. While the death penalty was not pursued federally, it may be considered in the pending state case in South Carolina.
Authorities released dash camera footage showing Smith shooting and kidnapping Hare. State Public Safety Secretary Jason Bowie expressed that New Mexico needs stronger laws to deal with violent crimes like these. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has emphasized public safety as a priority in the upcoming legislative session. The state continues to support Hare’s family throughout the legal process.
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