ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A 13-year-old boy has been charged with murder in a fatal hit-and-run of a bicyclist in Albuquerque that was captured on video from inside the boy’s stolen car, law enforcement said Monday.
The teenager, who is believed to be the driver, and a 15-year-old have been charged with 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 person, the Albuquerque Police Department said in a statement.
An 11-year-old, who police say was also involved, is too young to be charged with murder.
“APD detectives are working with the DA’s Office and CYFD to determine what charges he may face and whether he can be held on those charges,” according to the statement.
The 13-year-old is expected to be booked into the Juvenile Detention Center. Detectives are searching for the 15 and 11-year-olds.
Scott Dwight Habermehl, 63, was riding to his job at Sandia National Laboratory early in the morning in May when he was hit by a car after it swerved into the bike lane, according to police.
The crash was filmed from inside the car and circulated on social media. In the recording, a voice believed to be the 13-year-old can be heard saying he is about to hit the bicyclist, according to law enforcement. The car appears to accelerate and a voice believed to be the 15-year-old says, “Just bump him, brah.”
The driver asks, “Like bump him?”
A passenger says, “Yeah, just bump him. Go like…15…20.”
Loud sounds can then be heard in the recording, including “metal flexing,” according to law enforcement.
The video was posted on social media and reported to police. A middle school principal also reported the video to police after a student flagged it.
The Associated Press doesn’t typically name people under 18 accused of a crime.