In a tragic incident in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a 13-year-old boy has been charged with murder following a fatal hit-and-run accident that resulted in the death of a bicyclist. The entire event was captured on video from inside the stolen vehicle driven by the teenager, as revealed by law enforcement on Monday.
The young suspect is believed to have been the driver at the time of the incident. Alongside him, a 15-year-old has also been charged. Both face an array of charges including an open count of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, leaving the scene of an accident leading to severe injury or death, as well as unlawful possession of a handgun by a minor, according to a statement from the Albuquerque Police Department.
An 11-year-old involved in the incident is considered too young to be charged with murder. Police have stated they are collaborating with the District Attorney’s Office and the Children, Youth & Families Department to evaluate the potential charges he might face and his custody status concerning these charges.
The 13-year-old suspect is anticipated to be held at the Juvenile Detention Center while detectives continue their efforts to locate the 15-year-old and 11-year-old involved.
The victim, Scott Dwight Habermehl, aged 63, was tragically struck while commuting to work at Sandia National Laboratory. He was struck in May by a car that dangerously veered into the bike lane, police reported.
A video of the crash, recorded from inside the vehicle, made its way onto social media. In the footage, a voice suspected to belong to the 13-year-old can be heard mentioning the intent to hit the bicyclist. The vehicle then appears to accelerate following encouragement from a voice presumed to be the 15-year-old, who is heard saying, “Just bump him, brah.” Confused, the driver questions, “Like bump him?” to which another voice advises, “Yeah, just bump him. Go like…15…20.”
Subsequent chaotic noises, described by law enforcement as “metal flexing,” are then heard. This disturbing video was shared on social media, sparking reports to the police, including one from a middle school principal informed by a concerned student.
Typically, media organizations refrain from identifying minors involved in criminal cases.
