Man who killed New Mexico State Police Police officer near Tucumari gets life

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (KVII) — The man who killed a New Mexico State Police officer near Tucumcari will spend the rest of his life in federal prison.

Jaremy Smith was sentenced to with life without parole.

Smith shot Officer Justin Hare in March 2024.

Hare had stopped to help Smith who had a flat tire on I-40 west of Tucumcari.

Smith dumped Hare's body on the side of the interstate, and stole his patrol car.

Smith pleaded guilty in January to multiple federal charges including 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.

He still faces murder charges in South Carolina where he's accused of killing a paramedic.