A peculiar situation is unfolding involving a missing paramedic in South Carolina found dead. Despite the discovery of Phonesia Machado-Fore’s body by the police, her car was located thousands of miles away at the site of a tragic incident involving the fatal shooting of a police officer in New Mexico.
As per the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Machado-Fore’s body was found on Friday evening in Dillon County, with reports from WMBF News indicating that a coroner confirmed the discovery near Lake View, specifically in the vicinity of Jones Drive.
Machado-Fore, a paramedic with Florence County EMS, was last seen at her residence on Wildwood Loop on Tuesday. Her disappearance was reported to authorities on Thursday, prompting an investigation that ultimately led to the discovery of her body.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office was informed by the New Mexico State Police that Machado-Fore’s vehicle was discovered at the site of a tragic shooting incident that resulted in the loss of a state police officer’s life. Authorities are actively seeking 32-year-old Jaremy Smith from Marion in connection with the tragic passing of 35-year-old officer Justin Hare.
Smith is also a person of interest in the investigation of Machado-Fore’s untimely death.
New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler revealed that Officer Hare, who tragically lost his life, had responded to aid a stranded vehicle with a flat tire on I-40. Weisler recounted that Smith approached Officer Hare’s vehicle from the passenger side upon his arrival, and despite the circumstances, Hare kindly offered Smith a ride into town.
“Then, without warning, the suspect pulled out a firearm and shot Officer Hare,” said Weisler. “The suspect then walked to the driver’s side and shot Officer Hare again.”
After shooting him, Weisler reported that Smith allegedly forced Hare into the passenger seat and drove off in the patrol car. The vehicle was later left abandoned, and Smith reportedly ran away on foot. He was eventually discovered on a frontage road near the interstate and taken to a hospital, where he passed away.
Despite an extensive search effort, officers were unable to locate Smith. During a press conference on Saturday, Weisler mentioned that Smith had connections to the Albuquerque area, without providing further details. He also noted that Smith had a significant criminal record.
