MESCALERO, N.M. — Jacob Diaz-Austin, a deputy with the Otero County Sheriff’s Office, faces an open count of murder for the June 2024 shooting death of 17-year-old Elijah Hadley, according to the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
The incident, which occurred near Mescalero, has sparked calls for justice from Hadley’s family, who described the teen as “a son, brother, uncle, nephew, friend, student, artist, and a good person.” Through their attorneys, The Spence Law Firm NM LLC and Dodd Law Office, LLC, the family stated, “Some of the shots came after Elijah was on the ground, unarmed and bleeding. We demand accountability, and we will not stop until justice is done.”
Diaz-Austin, 28, of Las Cruces, has yet to comment on the charges, and his attorney has not issued a statement. The Otero County Sheriff’s Office has also remained silent on whether Diaz-Austin is still employed.
The June 25 incident began around 10:45 p.m. when Diaz-Austin responded to a welfare check on U.S. Highway 70. Reports indicated a teen walking in the median near mile marker 240. Upon arrival, Diaz-Austin encountered Hadley, a member of the Mescalero Apache tribe, who allegedly displayed what appeared to be a firearm. Diaz-Austin fired at least 19 shots, killing Hadley at the scene.
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Later investigation revealed the object in Hadley’s possession was an airsoft gun, according to a June 27 statement from New Mexico State Police.
The case was transferred to the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office after the 12th Judicial District prosecutors recused themselves. Bernalillo County DA Sam Bregman and Chief Deputy DA Natalie Lyon informed the Hadley family of the decision to prosecute Diaz-Austin, describing it as “a step toward justice.”
The DA’s Office declined further comment, but the charges mark a significant development in the pursuit of accountability for the fatal encounter.
Hadley’s family and their legal team continue to push for transparency and justice as the case moves forward.
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