Suspect in killing of New Mexico officer also person of interest in Pee Dee paramedic’s death, authorities say

MARION COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — A Marion man suspected in the shooting and killing of a New Mexico State Police officer is also a person of interest in the death of a Pee Dee paramedic, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office told News13.

The body of 52-year-old Phonesia Machado-Fore was found Friday night outside of Lake View in Dillon County, authorities said.

Jaremy Smith was driving her white BMW linked to the fatal shooting of New Mexico State Police officer Justin Hare.

“Mrs. Fore was one of us, a fellow first responder. Her death is senseless. Our community has suffered a tremendous loss,” Marion County Sheriff Brian Wallace said in a statement. “My team and I will not stop until we bring the person or persons responsible for her death to justice.”

Dillon County Sheriff Jamie Hamilton and his staff offered their condolences to Marion County’s first responder community via Facebook on Saturday.

“Sheriff Hamilton and Staff at Dillon County Sheriff’s Office extends our condolences to the family and friends of Phonesia Machado-Fore and to our Brothers and Sisters in blue of the New Mexico State Police,” the post said. “We will keep the family, friends and colleagues of Phonesia Machado-Fore and New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare in our thoughts and prayers.”

Marlboro County Emergency Medical Services also offered online condolences.

“Without question, Phonesia touched, improved and saved many lives throughout her career as a first responder,” the agency said on Facebook. “Being a paramedic is often a thankless job, but it goes without saying that she impacted too many lives to count. Phonesia, we have it from here.”

Jaremy Smith is wanted in New Mexico on charges of first-degree murder, armed robbery, shooting at or from a motor vehicle, tampering with evidence, felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and criminal damage to property.

New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler said in a social media post that Smith set an ambush for Ofc. Justin Hare along Interstate 40.

Hare was sent to the scene around 5 a.m. for reports of a motorist with a flat tire.

Weisler said Hare parked behind the disabled BMW and offered the suspect a ride into town.

“Then, without warning, the suspect pulled out a firearm and shot Officer Hare. The suspect then walked to the driver’s side and shot Officer Hare again, and then he pushed Officer Hare into the passenger seat and drove away in Officer Hare’s patrol unit, which was abandoned a short time later,” Weisler said.

New Mexico State Police are holding a news conference at 1 p.m.

“The last words that Officer Hare uttered on this Earth was an offer to help the man who was about to kill him,” Weisler said. “I am disgusted and I am sickened by the actions of this cold-blooded murderer.”