ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A man pleaded guilty in federal court Friday to charges for shooting and killing New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare in March 2024. Jaremy Smith of Marion, South Carolina, was charged with carjacking resulting in death, discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, kidnapping resulting in death, being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and possession of a stolen firearm. A sixth count, interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, was negotiated out of the plea agreement. Smith initially pleaded not guilty to the charges in April. "I just want to say that I'm glad this sorry excuse of a human being owned up to what he did. It's been ten long months to get to this point. I don't know where Terry and I would be if it wasn't for the great New Mexico State Police officers that constantly checked in on us and made us part of their family," said Justin's father, Jim Hare. Photo of fallen NMSP Officer Justin Hare, courtesy of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Both of Hare's parents spoke at a press conference held by the United States Attorney's Office after the court hearing finished. Members of the New Mexico State Police, the FBI, and the NM Department of Public Safety were also present. "No family should have to go through this, especially the family of a first responder of any kind. We got your back you guys; we got your back, and we're going to fight for all law enforcement officers and first responders; this isn't over yet," said Terry Hare, Justin's mother. Smith shot Officer Hare on the side of Interstate 40 west of Tucumcari. The officer was dispatched to help a motorist with a flat tire. When he pulled on the side of the interstate and parked behind the car, Smith went up to the officer’s passenger side window and had a brief conversation about the flat tire before he shot the officer, according to court documents and New Mexico State Police. Story continues below Investigation: How tipster claims APD DWI corruption scheme worked Community: BCSO launching its ‘Drone as First Responder Program’ Crime: Vehicle that fled from police in New Mexico found struck by train Don't Miss: How to glimpse a parade of planets in the January night sky New Mexico State Police said Smith walked over to the driver’s side and shot Hare again before he got into the officer’s vehicle. Smith then pushed Hare into the passenger seat and drove away in the officer’s patrol car. A duress signal from Hare’s radio was activated, and responding officers found his police unit crashed on the side of the road with no one inside. Officer Hare was found with gunshot wounds to the head and neck. He was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries, court documents state. Law enforcement launched a manhunt for Smith, and he was found a few days later in Bernalillo County. A gas station clerk recognized Smith and reported it to officials. Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office deputies caught up with Smith in the area of Unser and Anderson Hill. During a foot pursuit, court documents state that Smith reached for his waistband, and BCSO deputies shot him. He was taken into custody and to a local hospital to be treated. At sentencing, he faces life in prison without parole. "A life sentence for a life taken does not make our community whole. But the best way to honor Justin Hare's life is to take care of one another," said U.S. Attorney for New Mexico Alexander Uballez. Smith faces separate charges for death of South Carolina paramedic Smith, who has an extensive criminal history in South Carolina, also faces 17 separate charges in South Carolina for the death of 52-year-old paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore, KRQE's sister station WBTW reported. According to court documents, the BMW Smith was driving in New Mexico when he got a flat tire was registered to Machado-Fore. Also, law enforcement recovered a Taurus 9mm pistol near the area where Smith was taken into custody in Bernalillo County and 9mm shell casings in Officer Hare’s patrol unit. The same type of pistol was reported missing by Machado-Fore’s roommate after her Machado-Fore went missing in 2024. Watch Friday's press conference below: