ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Federal authorities will not seek the death penalty for the man accused of killing New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare earlier this year.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Albuquerque filed the motion Wednesday, stating their intent to not seek the death penalty for Jaremy Smith.

In April, a federal grand jury indicted Smith on charges related to the fatal shooting. Federal authorities filed the charges in March.

Police say Officer Hare was killed inside his State Police vehicle on the side of I-40 while trying to help the suspect deal with a flat tire. The suspect then took off in the vehicle before crashing it.

For more than two days, law enforcement agencies in New Mexico and surrounding areas looked for Smith. Then, a Murphy’s gas station employee offered a tip to law enforcement that ultimately led to them capturing Smith in Albuquerque.

Smith faces federal charges of:

• Carjacking resulting in death
• Causing death by the discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime
• Kidnapping resulting in death
• Being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm
• Possession of a stolen firearm
• Interstate transport of a stolen vehicle

If convicted, Smith could face a mandatory life sentence. He is not eligible for parole.

Smith is also charged with murder in South Carolina for allegedly killing a paramedic. He is currently behind bars.

MORE:

• Federal grand jury indicts man accused of killing New Mexico State Police officer
• Man accused of killing New Mexico State Police officer to remain behind bars
• Man accused of killing New Mexico State Police officer charged in paramedic’s murder