Teens charged with murder nearly a year after cyclist on way to work was intentionally hit by stolen vehicle
SUMMARY
Albuquerque police released cellphone footage capturing the moments before a stolen vehicle, driven by a 13-year-old, allegedly intentionally struck and killed cyclist Scott Dwight Habermehl, 63, on May 29, 2024. The video, recorded by youths inside the car, prompted the arrest of the 13-year-old driver on murder charges, alongside a 15-year-old passenger, both facing counts of murder, conspiracy, leaving the scene, and firearm possession. An 11-year-old passenger, deemed too young for prosecution, was detained by the state Children, Youth & Families Department. Mayor Tim Keller labeled the trio “runaways and dropouts” and “murderers” at a March 18 press conference. Habermehl, a Ph.D. physicist cycling to Sandia National Laboratories, died in the bike lane despite wearing a helmet and safety light. Initially a closed hit-and-run case, the investigation reopened after the video surfaced in February, showing the 15-year-old urging the driver to “bump” the victim.
