Marion man accused of killing New Mexico officer, Pee Dee paramedic pleads not guilty to federal charges

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) — The man accused of shooting and killing New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in federal court on Thursday.

Jaremy Smith , 33, of Marion, is charged with carjacking resulting in death, causing death by the discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, kidnapping resulting in death, being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm and interstate transport of a stolen vehicle.

Smith will remain in custody until the trial begins. If convicted of the current charges, Smith faces a mandatory life sentence or death for the kidnapping resulting in death charge, and any number of years up to life or death for the carjacking and discharge of firearm offenses. He could also face state charges in New Mexico, according to previous remarks made by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez .

Smith is also facing 17 charges in the death of a paramedic in South Carolina . Law enforcement said Smith was found with the paramedic’s car in New Mexico when the ambush of Officer Hare happened on I-40, west of Tucumcari, in March.

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