In a dramatic turn of events, Jaremy Smith, the suspect wanted in the killings of a New Mexico State Police officer and a South Carolina paramedic, was captured on Sunday after a shooting involving law enforcement. Smith was taken into custody in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, following a police chase that resulted in gunfire with at least one deputy from the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office.

New Mexico State Police officer Justin Hare was tragically shot and killed early on Friday while responding to a call on Interstate 40. Smith, who was driving a car belonging to the missing South Carolina paramedic, Phonesia Machado-Fore, quickly became the prime suspect in both cases.

Authorities launched a massive manhunt, and New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler warned Smith during a press conference, "Jaremy Smith, we are coming for you." Smith, with an extensive criminal history and ties to the Albuquerque area, was finally spotted by Bernalillo County Sheriff's deputies driving a car in Albuquerque on Sunday morning.

The deputies engaged in a pursuit with Smith, which ended in his arrest. "The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office is currently in the area of Unser and Anderson Hill for a deputy-involved shooting," the agency announced on social media. Thankfully, no deputies were injured during the incident.

The connection between Hare's murder and the missing South Carolina paramedic was established when New Mexico State Police contacted the Marion County Sheriff's Office to inform them that Machado-Fore's car was involved in the officer's killing. Machado-Fore's body was subsequently found near Lake View in Dillon County, South Carolina, after she had been reported missing by her family.

Warrants have been issued for Smith's arrest in Hare's murder, and he is a suspect in the slaying of Machado-Fore as well. Smith's capture brings some closure to the communities affected by these horrifying crimes, and it is a testament to the cooperation between federal, state, and local authorities who worked tirelessly to locate and apprehend the suspect.

The investigation is still ongoing, and an autopsy for Machado-Fore has been scheduled for Monday. As authorities piece together the events leading to these tragic deaths, the focus remains on seeking justice for Officer Hare and Paramedic Machado-Fore, while offering condolences to their families and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.