The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said Saturday that Phonesia Machado’s body was found Friday night and that Jarmey Smith is a person of interest in the case. Smith is also wanted in a shooting that left New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare dead early Friday.
A Pee Dee paramedic, Phonesia Machado, who was reported missing, has been tragically found deceased. Her body was discovered in Dillon County on Friday evening, while her car was located at a crime scene thousands of miles away.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Machado’s body was found in Dillon County near Lake View, in the area of Jones Drive. Dillon County Coroner Donnie Grimsley confirmed the discovery and mentioned that an autopsy is scheduled for Monday to determine the cause of death.
Marion County Sheriff Brian Wallace expressed condolences and vowed to bring those responsible for her death to justice. He emphasized that Machado was a valued member of the community and her loss is deeply felt.
Dillon County Sheriff Jamie Hamilton also extended sympathies and assured collaboration with Marion County deputies and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division in the investigation.
Machado-Fore, employed as a paramedic with Florence County EMS, was last seen at her residence on Wildwood Loop on Tuesday. Her disappearance was reported to authorities on Thursday. Information gathered during the investigation led to the discovery of her body.
Sheriff TJ Joye of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office mourned the loss, describing it as senseless. Colleagues at Florence County EMS echoed similar sentiments on social media, expressing sorrow over the loss of Machado’s laughter, smile, and friendship.
In a related development, New Mexico State Police informed the Marion County Sheriff’s Office that Machado’s car was found at the scene of a fatal shooting involving a state police officer. The suspect, Jarmey Smith, is identified as a person of interest in Machado’s death.
Smith allegedly approached Officer Justin Hare, who was responding to a vehicle with a flat tire on I-40, and fatally shot him. Smith then fled the scene in the officer’s patrol car, which was later abandoned. Despite an extensive manhunt, Smith remains at large.
Authorities caution that Smith has a history of violent offenses and should not be approached as he is considered armed and dangerous.