FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. — A man suspected in the killing of Florence County EMS paramedic has pled guilty to kidnapping and murder charges, WPDE reported.
Jeremy Smith, 35, reportedly entered the home of Paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore on March 13, 2024, kidnapped her in her own vehicle and took her to a remote location. He then blindfolded and bound Machado-Fore before killing her behind an abandoned home.
Smith then returned to Machado-Fore’s home and took several of her firearms he later sold, WPDE reported, before driving the vehicle to New Mexico, where he killed New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare on March 15, 2024.
In April 2025, Smith was sentenced to life in federal prison in Hare’s killing. He faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison for the death of Machado-Fore, as well as a $250,000 fine.
“The defendant’s violent and horrific attacks on two first responders sent shockwaves throughout South Carolina and New Mexico,” FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge Anish Shukla said in a statement to WPDE. “While his acceptance of responsibility cannot bring back Ms. Machado-Fore or Officer Hare, we truly hope their families and friends can start healing knowing that the defendant is being held fully accountable for his despicable actions.”
A sentencing date for Smith in the murder of Machado-Fore will be set after the U.S. Probation Office finalizes the report.
