Albuquerque Mourns Bicyclist Killed by Teens in Stolen Car, Shocking Video Surfaces

Albuquerque, New Mexico is grappling with the tragic death of 63-year-old Scott Dwight Habermehl, a dedicated scientist and avid cyclist, who was intentionally struck and killed by a stolen vehicle driven by a group of teenagers. The incident, which occurred on May 29, 2024, has sparked outrage and disbelief, particularly after a disturbing video of the crime surfaced, allegedly recorded by the perpetrators themselves and shared on social media.

Habermehl was riding his bicycle to work at Sandia National Laboratory in the early morning hours when he was fatally hit. According to the Albuquerque Police Department (APD), the driver of the vehicle fled the scene immediately, leaving Habermehl to die. Initial investigations by the Fatal Crash Team yielded little progress, despite the recovery of an image of the suspect vehicle captured by a nearby church camera. The identity of those involved remained a mystery for months.

The breakthrough in the case came in early 2025, when police received anonymous tips regarding a video circulating online. The video, reportedly taken from inside the stolen car, depicted the moments leading up to and including the fatal collision. The alleged participants in the crime were identified as a 13-year-old, a 15-year-old, and an 11-year-old boy.

The content of the video is particularly disturbing. Law enforcement officials stated that the 13-year-old, believed to be the driver, is heard stating his intent to hit Habermehl just moments before the impact. The 15-year-old allegedly encouraged the driver, suggesting they "bump him" at a relatively low speed. Further escalating the situation, the 11-year-old is said to have been waving a handgun and laughing as the vehicle struck Habermehl. The video reportedly captures the sounds of metal flexing as Habermehl and his bicycle were thrown from the passenger side of the vehicle. Audio from the recording indicates the boys saw the flashing light on Habermehl’s bicycle and planned to hit him.

The revelation of the video and the involvement of such young individuals has sent shockwaves through the Albuquerque community. The APD has taken swift action, arresting the 13-year-old and charging him with 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 person. The 15-year-old is currently being sought by authorities and will face the same charges upon apprehension.

The case of the 11-year-old is more complex. Due to his age, he is considered too young to be charged with murder under existing laws. However, detectives are working closely with the district attorney’s office and the Children, Youth & Families Department to determine if any charges are applicable and appropriate in his case. The legal ramifications for such a young participant in a violent crime are complex and raise difficult questions about culpability and rehabilitation.

Further investigation revealed that the APD had previously seized the phones of the 11-year-old and the 13-year-old in June 2024 as part of a separate investigation. Subsequent warrants allowed investigators to search the phones and the juveniles’ social media accounts, where they discovered multiple video clips showing the three boys, including the incriminating video of the fatal crash. This discovery ultimately led to the case being turned over to the homicide unit.

The details emerging from the investigation paint a disturbing picture of the events leading up to Habermehl’s death. The police believe the 13-year-old was driving, the 11-year-old was in the front passenger seat, and the 15-year-old was in the back seat. The conversation captured on video reveals a chilling level of callousness and disregard for human life. The exchange, as reported by the APD, demonstrates the escalating intent of the teenagers.

Before the incident, the conversation included the 15-year-old saying “Just bump him, brah” with the 13-year-old responding “Like bump him?” before the 15-year-old allegedly said “Yeah, just bump him. Go like…15, 20.” As the vehicle approached an intersection, the 11-year-old was waving a handgun, ducked, and laughed as his side of the vehicle hit Habermehl.

The death of Scott Dwight Habermehl has deeply affected the Albuquerque community and beyond. Habermehl was a dedicated physicist at Sandia National Laboratory, known for his strong attention to detail and his commitment to science and technology. He earned his doctorate in physics from North Carolina State University in 1994 and had previously studied physics at Iowa State University.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Habermehl was a devoted family man and an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed riding horses with his wife, tending to his wildflower garden, playing baseball with his sons, hiking, and skiing. According to his online obituary, he was a consummate outdoorsman who cared deeply for the wild spaces of the world. Over the past three decades, he biked more than 250,000 miles in Albuquerque.

BikeABQ, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting safer bicycling in Albuquerque, expressed their condolences and highlighted Habermehl’s commitment to cycling. His death serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of cyclists on city streets and the urgent need for increased safety measures.

The investigation into Habermehl’s death is ongoing, and the community awaits justice for the senseless act of violence. The case has ignited a wider conversation about juvenile crime, the influence of social media, and the need for greater parental and community involvement in the lives of young people. The tragic loss of Scott Dwight Habermehl serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of reckless behavior.