13-Year-Old Boy Charged with Murder for Deadly Hit-and-Run in Stolen Car
A tragic incident unfolded on May 29 last year when a 13-year-old boy, Johnathan Overbay, allegedly intentionally mowed down a bicyclist, Scott Dwight Habermehl, in a stolen car. The young teen was egged on by two other boys, including an 11-year-old who brandished a gun and laughed as they filmed the deadly crash, according to the Albuquerque Police Department.
The horrifying video of the crash was shared on social media, prompting law enforcement to take action. The footage showed the young driver, with a 15-year-old passenger named William Garcia, encouraging him to hit the cyclist. The passenger even specified the speed at which to strike the victim, showcasing a callous disregard for human life.
As the stolen car approached the cyclist, the 11-year-old boy in the front passenger seat waved a handgun and laughed as the vehicle collided with the innocent victim. Despite the initial investigation into the crash, it was the social media video that provided crucial leads for the police.
Overbay, who had a history of criminal activities prior to the fatal crash, was arrested and charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, leaving the scene of an accident involving great bodily harm or death, and unlawful possession of a handgun. Authorities are still searching for Garcia, who faces similar charges.
Meanwhile, the 11-year-old boy, identified as Messiah Hayes, is too young to be charged with murder. However, he has an extensive criminal record and is believed to be involved in a string of crimes including shootings and burglaries.
It’s a tragic and disturbing case that highlights the consequences of reckless behavior and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. The justice system will need to carefully consider the appropriate charges for each party involved in this senseless tragedy.
