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

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (WMBF) – A new trial has been set for the Marion County man accused of killing a New Mexico State Police officer.

Documents filed Wednesday say Jaremy Smith's federal trial will now begin Oct. 21 in New Mexico.

He has pleaded not guilty to federal charges related to the death of New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare. Smith is also charged in South Carolina in the death of Phonesia Machado-Fore, a Florence County paramedic.

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Smith is accused of shooting Machado-Fore and stealing her BMW before driving across the country to New Mexico in March.

Two days later, authorities said he 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.

Smith is charged in federal court with auto theft resulting in death and discharge of a firearm during and in connection with a crime of violence in connection with Hare's shooting death.

Federal prosecutors also filed a motion at the beginning of August stating that they would not seek the death penalty against MS

Smith was originally scheduled to stand trial in September, but a judge ruled that the complexity of the case made it inappropriate to hold a trial within the set time limits.

Documents show that the United States disclosed about 20,000 pages of discoveries to Defense. Documents include police reports, images, videos, phone records and forensic reports.

“This investigation is extensive and complex, involving federal and state law enforcement agencies in both New Mexico, South Carolina and various states in between,” the documents say.

According to court documents, the investigation is ongoing and requires a comprehensive forensic review of evidence collected in both South Carolina and New Mexico.

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