A 13-year-old boy has been charged with murder for the fatal hit-and-run of a cyclist in Albuquerque that was captured on video from inside the stolen car of the boy, authorities reported on Monday.
The teenager, believed to be the driver, and a 15-year-old have been charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, leaving the scene of an accident involving serious bodily injury or death, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a person, according to a statement from the Albuquerque Police Department (APD).
An 11-year-old child who police say was also involved is too young to be charged with murder.
"APD detectives are working with the district attorney's office and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to determine what charges he may face and if he can be detained on those charges," the statement said.
The 13-year-old boy is expected to be placed in a juvenile detention center. Detectives are searching for the 15-year-old and the 11-year-old.
Scott Dwight Habermehl, 63 years old, was on his way to work at Sandia National Laboratories early in the morning of May when he was hit by a car that veered into the bike lane, according to the police.
The accident was recorded from inside the car and circulated on social media. In the recording, a voice believed to be that of the 13-year-old boy can be heard saying he is about to hit the cyclist, according to authorities. The car appears to accelerate, and a voice believed to be that of the 15-year-old says, "Just hit him, bro."
The driver asks: How to hit him?
A passenger says: Yes, just hit him. See, like at... 15... 20
Loud noises can then be heard in the recording, including "metal bending," according to authorities.
The video was posted on social media and reported to the police. A high school principal also reported the video to the police after a student pointed it out.
* The Associated Press (AP) does not usually identify individuals under 18 years old accused of a crime.