New federal trial date set for Pee Dee man accused of killing New Mexico police officer

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (WMBF) – A trial date of 2025 has been set for a Pee Dee man accused of killing a police officer more than 1,500 miles away.

A Nov. 4 filing said Jaremy Smith’s trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 22, 2025. The document also states that motions and hearings are scheduled over the next year leading up to the trial date.

Smith was originally scheduled to go to trial last month, but officials said it was delayed due to the complexity and “complicated nature” of the case. It was the third delay of its kind.

Smith faces federal charges of auto theft resulting in death and discharging a firearm during and in connection with a crime of violence in connection with the shooting of New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare.

Smith is also accused of kidnapping and killing Florence County paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore in Marion County. According to the warrants, he also stole her BMW and drove across the country to New Mexico. Machado-Fore’s body was later discovered in Dillon County.

Two days later, authorities said he allegedly shot Hare, who was trying to help Smith with a flat tire. Smith is accused of also stealing Hare’s patrol car after shooting him.

Federal prosecutors filed a motion in early August saying they would not seek the death penalty against Smith.

Documents show federal prosecutors disclosed about 20,000 pages of discovery to the defense. Documents include police reports, images, videos, phone records and forensic reports.

Previous court filings added that the investigation is ongoing and requires an extensive forensic review of evidence collected in South Carolina and New Mexico.

Smith faces additional charges in connection with Machado-Fore’s death in South Carolina, but it is unclear when or if that case will be heard in the state.

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