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New Mexico Teens Face Serious Charges in Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident
Authorities in New Mexico announced that a 13-year-old boy has been charged with murder following a fatal hit-and-run incident. The tragic event also involves a 15-year-old who remains at large and an 11-year-old who was taken into custody.
Incident Overview and Initial Charges
According to police in Albuquerque, these young individuals are facing serious charges including an open count of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in great bodily harm or death, and unlawful possession of a handgun.
Fatal Collision Details
Officials believe that the 13-year-old was driving the vehicle involved in the accident that claimed the life of 63-year-old physicist Scott Dwight Habermehl. The collision occurred around 4:40 a.m. on May 29, 2024, as Habermehl rode his bike en route to Sandia National Laboratories.
Video Evidence and Social Media Impact
What makes this case particularly alarming is that the incident was recorded from inside a stolen vehicle. The footage quickly circulated on social media platforms, prompting police investigations. Detectives received tips regarding the video’s circulation, which was brought to the attention of a local middle school principal by a concerned student.
Chilling Voices on the Video
During the video, a voice believed to be that of the 13-year-old driver can be heard in a chilling moment stating he was about to strike the bicyclist before accelerating. Authorities reported hearing him say, “Just bump him, brash,” indicating a clear intent to harm.
Comments from Passengers
The exchange between the driver and his passenger reveals the premeditated nature of the crash. In a particularly disturbing moment, another passenger suggested to “go like…15…20” as they approached Habermehl.
Impact of the Collision
The momentum of the collision was severe, causing Habermehl and his bicycle to be projected off the vehicle’s passenger side. Witnesses and police noted that the sounds during the impact included metal bending as the vehicle struck Harris with lethal force.
Involvement of the 11-Year-Old
In addition to the older boys, an 11-year-old passenger was reportedly waving a handgun at the time of the incident. This boy is currently under the custody of the state’s Children, Youth & Families Department for evaluation.
Further Legal Proceedings
A week after the deadly event, the 11-year-old was arrested on an unrelated felony warrant. Authorities are collaborating with prosecutors and state social workers to determine potential charges against this young individual.
Community Response and Comparisons to Previous Cases
This tragic event mirrors a past incident in Las Vegas where a similar hit-and-run resulted in the death of a retired police chief while cycling. Both cases underscore a disturbing trend involving youth and reckless behavior on the roads.
Future Implications for Juvenile Justice
The fact that minors are involved in such serious crimes raises questions about juvenile justice and accountability. As the community grapples with this tragedy, discussions about the societal implications of youth violence and the accessibility of firearms are sure to intensify.
Looking Ahead
With investigations ongoing, the community is left seeking answers and justice for Scott Dwight Habermehl. The legal repercussions facing the teens involved will likely set precedents regarding how similar cases are handled in the future.
As news of this incident continues to unfold, it serves as a grim reminder of the need for increased public safety measures and effective intervention strategies for at-risk youth.
