Otero County deputy charged with first-degree murder in teen's death
Bernalillo County DA announces charges in June 2024 police shooting
Organ Mountain News report
ALBUQUERQUE - The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office has filed a first-degree murder charge against Otero County Sheriff’s Deputy Jacob Diaz following the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Elijah Hadley in June 2024.
On the evening of June 25, 2024, Otero County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Diaz encountered 17-year-old Elijah Hadley walking in the median of U.S. Highway 70 near Mescalero while responding to a welfare check. According to dash and lapel camera footage, Hadley initially waved at the deputy while holding a shirt draped over one hand. As Diaz asked him to show his hands, Hadley pulled out what appeared to be a firearm, later identified as an airsoft BB gun, and tossed it to the ground. Before the gun fully hit the ground, Diaz opened fire, striking Hadley.
Hadley fell to the ground, screaming, “It’s just a BB gun,” as Diaz held him at gunpoint and called for backup. Although the deputy retrieved a first aid kit, he did not approach Hadley, repeatedly warning him to stay away from the BB gun. As Hadley attempted to move, appearing to roll toward the BB gun, Diaz fired additional volleys of shots, ultimately discharging 13 rounds and pausing to reload.
Hadley was pronounced dead at the scene, with injuries described by the deputy as gunshot wounds to the face, chest and back of the head.
The case was referred to the Bernalillo County DA’s Office in July after prosecutors in the 12th Judicial District recused themselves, citing a conflict of interest.
Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman and Chief Deputy District Attorney Natalie Lyon informed Hadley’s family of the decision to pursue charges against Diaz during a meeting on Monday afternoon. Both Bregman and Lyon will prosecute the case, the office stated.
The District Attorney’s Office has declined to provide additional details or conduct interviews at this time.
“As always, defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are convicted in a court of law,” the office noted in a news release.
Further updates on the case are expected as it proceeds through the judicial system.