‘Tragic’ end to search for missing South Carolina paramedic, sheriff says

The search for a missing South Carolina paramedic came to a “tragic” end after her car was found in New Mexico and her body was recovered Friday evening, a case that a law enforcement official called “heinous.”

Phonesia Machado-Fore, 52, was last seen at her home on Wildwood Loop in Marion on Tuesday, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Family reported her missing to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday evening.

On Friday morning, New Mexico State Police contacted the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division to tell them that Machado-Fore’s car had been involved in the murder of one of their officers, officials said.

Authorities worked across the country to find Machado-Fore and identify the driver of her car, officials said. Information learned in an investigation led law enforcement officers to a property outside of Lake View in Dillon County, where they found Machado-Fore’s body just after 6 p.m. on Friday.

Federal, state and local officials are continuing to investigate the “heinous crime,” the sheriff’s office said.

New Mexico State Police have identified the driver of Machado-Fore’s care as Jaremy Smith of Marion, and have issued warrants for the murder of New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare.

New Mexico State Police said Smith was taken into custody in Bernalillo County, ABC News reported. Deputies shot Smith during a foot chase, according to CNN.

Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen said Smith was taken to a local hospital where he’s been treated for his injuries and remains under police guard, CNN reported. Further information on Smith’s condition was not available.

Marion County Sheriff Brian Wallace extended his gratitude to those assisting in the case, which his office called “far from over.”

“Mrs. Fore was one of us, a fellow first responder. Her death is senseless,” Wallace said in a statement. “Our community has suffered a tremendous loss. My team and I will not stop until we bring the person or persons responsible for her death to justice.”

The Dillon County Coroner’s Office scheduled an autopsy for Machado-Fore on Monday.

This story was originally published March 16, 2024 at 1:19 PM.

Alexa Jurado

The State

Alexa Jurado is a news reporter for The State covering Lexington County and Richland County schools. She previously wrote about the University of South Carolina and contributes to this coverage. A Chicago suburbs native, Alexa graduated from Marquette University and previously wrote for publications in Illinois and Wisconsin. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists, the Milwaukee Press Club and the South Carolina Press Association.