Marion man accused of killing New Mexico State Police officer wants another trial delay
MARION COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — The lawyers for a Marion man accused of killing a New Mexico State Police officer in March have requested another delay in his upcoming federal trial.
Jaremy Smith was set to stand trial on Monday in the killing of Justin Hare, who was shot to death on March 15 along Interstate 40 outside of Albuquerque. His trial was originally set to start June 10 before he was granted a delay last month.
Smith, 33, was arrested March 17 by Bernalillo County sheriff’s deputies in an Albuquerque neighborhood, who shot him several times following a brief foot pursuit. He was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 9, and prosecutors said they were considering the death penalty if he’s convicted.
Smith’s lawyers asked for a 60-day delay in the motion, which was filed on Wednesday in U.S. District Court in New Mexico.
“Counsel believes that length of time to be the minimum necessary to determine whether the government will seek the death penalty, to continue negotiations with the government and to prepare for trial if necessary,” the motion reads.
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He pleaded not guilty on April 18 to charges including 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 and interstate transport of a stolen vehicle.
Smith is also facing 17 charges in the death of Pee Dee paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore. Authorities found her body March 15 outside of Lake View in Dillon County.
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Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.
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