MARION COUNTY, S.C. — The search for a missing paramedic in South Carolina has come to a tragic end and now has ties to another death more than 1,000 miles away.
The Marion County Sheriff's Office issued a missing person notice on Friday for Phonesia Machado-Fore after she had gone missing the previous day. On Friday morning, New Mexico State Police shared news that her vehicle was found in their state and was connected to the murder of one of their officers.
However, the investigation to find Machado-Fore led deputies much closer to home in Dillon County, where, on Friday around 6:15 p.m., they found her body outside of Lake View. Meanwhile, in New Mexico, investigators identified the killer of State Police Officer Justin Hare and have issued warrants for his arrest.
New Mexico authorities said they are searching for Jaremy Alexander Smith, who has an "extensive criminal history" in South Carolina.
Dillon County Sheriff Jamie Hamilton said his office is working alongside Marion County investigators and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division as the investigation unfolds. The sheriff's office also offered condolences to the families and friends of Machado-Fore and Officer Hare.
Marion County Sheriff Brian Wallace thanked the people who have helped and continue to assist them in the investigation, adding that this case is "far from over."
Florence County Emergency Medical Services released a statement on Saturday confirming that Machado-Fore was a paramedic crew chief and sergeant with their agency and had been associated with several emergency medical service agencies in the region.
The agency said through her work and in her personal life, Machado-Fore "touched countless lives."
"Phonesia would strive, every day, to be the best person she could and to take care of others," the agency added. "She truly had a servant's heart and genuinely loved people."
Florence offered condolences to her family, adding that she leaves behind children and grandchildren.
