Third Arrest Made in Fatal Hit-and-Run of Albuquerque Bicyclist; 11-Year-Old Faces Murder Charge
Albuquerque, New Mexico – In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Albuquerque community, a third juvenile has been apprehended in connection with the hit-and-run death of 63-year-old Scott Habermehl, a local bicyclist. Authorities have also announced that the 11-year-old previously detained in the matter will now face murder charges, escalating the severity of the legal proceedings.
The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) confirmed the arrest of a 16-year-old suspect who is alleged to have participated with two other minors, aged 11 and 13, in the deliberate act of running down Habermehl while he was cycling to work. The 11-year-old was taken into custody on Tuesday, followed by the 13-year-old’s arrest on Monday.
According to police statements released on Wednesday, the 11-year-old and the 13-year-old will both be charged with murder in connection with Habermehl’s death. While charges have not yet been officially filed against the 16-year-old, police indicated that he could potentially face a range of serious charges, including an open count of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, leaving the scene of an accident involving great bodily harm or death, and unlawful possession of a handgun by a minor.
The tragic incident occurred at approximately 4:40 a.m. on May 29, 2024, as Habermehl was riding his bicycle to his job at the Sandia National Laboratory in Albuquerque. He was reportedly traveling within a designated bike lane when he was struck by a sedan occupied by the three juvenile suspects.
Law enforcement officials have identified the individuals inside the vehicle as the 13-year-old driver, the 11-year-old passenger, and the 16-year-old who was seated in the back. Further adding to the disturbing nature of the case, investigators uncovered video footage recorded from inside the car, which was subsequently circulated on social media. This footage allegedly depicts the boys conspiring and planning to intentionally hit Habermehl as he rode his bicycle.
The video reportedly shows the 11-year-old waving a handgun while in the passenger seat. Shockingly, after the vehicle struck Habermehl, the 11-year-old is allegedly heard laughing as his side of the car collided with the bicyclist. Habermehl tragically died at the scene as a result of the injuries he sustained.
Adding another chilling detail to the narrative, police revealed that one of the boys in the car urged the driver to "hurry up" and hit the bicyclist before he could make a turn, suggesting a premeditated and intentional act of violence.
The Office of the Second Judicial District Attorney in New Mexico has declined to comment on whether the juveniles will be tried as adults, citing the ongoing investigation. The decision of whether to try a juvenile as an adult is a complex legal matter that takes into account various factors, including the severity of the crime, the juvenile’s criminal history, and the juvenile’s maturity and amenability to rehabilitation.
Authorities also disclosed that the 11-year-old suspect had previously been listed as a missing endangered juvenile by the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office. The details surrounding his disappearance and the circumstances leading to his inclusion on the missing person list have not been fully disclosed.
Furthermore, the 11-year-old is allegedly linked to a series of other criminal incidents that occurred in the weeks leading up to the fatal hit-and-run. According to police reports, he was allegedly involved in multiple electronic doorbell thefts on May 11, 2024, and a store robbery on May 17, 2024.
In the store robbery, authorities say a stolen vehicle was intentionally backed into the storefront, allowing multiple individuals to exit the vehicle and steal beer, cigarettes, and other merchandise. The suspects then fled the scene in a separate vehicle. The estimated damages to the store resulting from the incident exceeded $15,000.
Police have identified the 11-year-old as a suspect in the robbery, stating that he allegedly used a camera or phone to record the incident. The role he played in the robbery, whether as a participant or an observer, remains under investigation.
The death of Scott Habermehl has deeply affected the Albuquerque community, and the details surrounding the alleged involvement of the three juvenile suspects have further compounded the sense of shock and outrage. As the legal proceedings move forward, the community awaits answers and seeks justice for Habermehl and his loved ones. The case has also ignited broader discussions about juvenile crime, the influence of social media on youth behavior, and the need for effective interventions to prevent future tragedies.
