12-Year-Old Charged with Murder in New Mexico Hit-and-Run

Case Overview: 11-Year-Old Charged with Murder

• 🎯 A 12-year-old boy, Messiah Hayes, has been charged with murder in New Mexico, an incident that occurred when he was 11.
• 🚗 The charge stems from a hit-and-run incident where a cyclist, Scott Habmill, was killed by a stolen car.
• 📱 The suspects, including Hayes, allegedly filmed the event, with Hayes reportedly waving a gun before the collision.

Legal Ramifications and Juvenile Law

• ⚖️ New Mexico law previously prevented the charging or holding of individuals under 12 years old for crimes.
• 🗓️ Messiah Hayes turned 12 in May, making him legally eligible to be charged with murder under an open count.
• 🏥 During the period he was legally too young to be charged, Hayes was in the custody of the Children, Youth, and Families Department at a behavioral health center.

Public Defender's Statement

• 😔 The public defender expressed sadness for the victim's family and highlighted the client's difficult young life, noting he was barely 10 when first alone on the streets.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The statement also mentioned the efforts of his extended family to help him.
• 🤔 It raises questions about community responsibility in addressing such cases justly and healingly.

Investigation and Legal Process

• ❓ Reporter Jessica Garate is investigating the delay between the incident and the charging of the suspect.
• 🔒 Juvenile records in New Mexico are not publicly accessible, complicating the investigation into the exact reasons for the delay.
• 🤝 The DA's office is being contacted for clarification on the timeline and the legal strategy employed.