3 Children Accused in Deliberate New Mexico Hit-and-Run Resulting in Death

A teenager in New Mexico, only 13 years old, has been accused of committing murder. The authorities discovered a video on a cell phone showing the young boy driving a car and intentionally hitting a cyclist on the road, causing the cyclist’s death.

Johnathan Overbay was 12 when he rammed 63-year-old Scott Habermehl on May 29, 2024, KRQE reported.

Aside from the 13-year-old, the police also apprehended an 11-year-old boy named Messiah Hayes in connection with the incident. Authorities are also searching for a third boy, identified as William Garcia, who is now 16 years old but was 15 at the time of the crime, according to a report by KOB. Due to his age, Hayes cannot be charged with murder, and law enforcement officials are collaborating with prosecutors to determine the appropriate charges for him.

Garcia will face a murder charge and, like Overbay, who was 12 at the time, leaving the scene and other related charges.

The police made public the video this week, which was recorded by Garcia from the back seat of the stolen car. Overbay, the driver of the vehicle, had Hayes sitting in the front passenger seat while carrying a gun.

Police said they’d initially closed the case, thinking it was an accident, but then someone pointed out the video posted to social media.

In the video, which stops just before the fatal strike, Garcia tells Overbay to “just bump him … Go like 15-20.” KQRE said. The 11-year-old in the front seat is waving a gun and laughing.

They car Overbay was driving was reportedly stolen.

KOB said Hayes and Overbay had extensive criminal histories, including robbery, property damage, and more. But neither had been held in custody for any length of time.