ALBUQUERQUE, NM – A shocking case involving three boys, a stolen car, and a fatal collision with a bicyclist has rocked the community in Albuquerque. Police say the incident occurred on a May morning when a 13-year-old behind the wheel, with encouragement from his 15-year-old friend, allegedly sped up towards and struck a bicyclist, 63-year-old Scott Dwight Habermehl.
The moment was disturbingly captured on video, revealing the 15-year-old advising the young driver to “bump” the cyclist, suggesting they hit him at a speed of 15 to 20 mph. Also in the car was an 11-year-old boy, who reportedly brandished a handgun as they hit Habermehl, laughing as the tragedy unfolded.
Habermehl was biking to his job at Sandia National Laboratories when he was struck and killed. The boys fled the scene, sparking a police investigation. Initially, authorities had trouble identifying the perpetrators until an anonymous tip pointed them to an Instagram video documenting the grim act. A corroborating report from a local middle school helped solidify their suspicions.
Investigators then connected the dots, realizing they had the necessary pieces of evidence: the boys’ phones. These devices seized during an unrelated investigation, contained the crucial video. After securing the required warrants, authorities uncovered videos linked to the incident.
The 13-year-old and 15-year-old are now facing severe charges, including open murder and conspiracy, among others. The potential for additional charges is being considered for the 11-year-old, whose age complicates the judicial process.
Scott Dwight Habermehl, the victim, was a dedicated physicist at Sandia, where he left a legacy of innovation with over 50 publications and six technological patents. His work contributed significantly to national security and space applications.
Habermehl’s family remembered him for his passion for cycling, which he enjoyed more than the grueling traffic of daily commutes. His daily bike rides were a mark of his commitment to a lifestyle he cherished.
Authorities apprehended the 13-year-old suspect while efforts to locate the other two boys are ongoing. As legal procedures advance, it’s uncertain if jurisdiction in this case might transfer these juveniles to adult court, a decision influenced by New Mexico’s legal standards allowing such transitions from age 14.