Albuquerque, N.M. – On Wednesday, a state judge postponed the sentencing of 16‑year‑old Elijah Engelking and 15‑year‑old William Garcia, the two teens charged in the May 2024 death of 63‑year‑old cyclist Scott Habermehl. The delay was ordered after the courtroom reached capacity and several members of the Habermehl family were forced to stand in the courthouse hallway, leaving them visibly upset.

Victims’ rights cited as reason for postponement

Judge John Day, who presided over the hearing, explained that it would be unfair to proceed with sentencing when not all family members could be present. “Crime victims have rights; they can attend hearings; they have a right to speak at various times,” Day said, adding that the overflow situation made it impossible for everyone to be heard.

Day instructed both the prosecution and defense to submit a revised plan for the next sentencing date, including an estimate of how many people are expected to attend and how much time each side will need to address the court.

Background of the case

The incident occurred in May 2024 when Engelking, Garcia and two other juveniles were driving a stolen vehicle through Albuquerque. While traveling at roughly 15‑20 mph, they struck Habermehl, who was riding his bicycle to work at Sandia National Laboratories. The collision was captured on video, showing the teens shouting, “Just bump him. Go like 15, 20,” before the crash.

Engelking was charged as an adult in May 2025, and Garcia faces the same adult charges. Both teens remain in custody pending a new sentencing hearing.

Community reaction

Members of the Habermehl family expressed frustration that they could not sit inside the courtroom to hear the proceedings. “We came here to see justice done and to be heard,” one relative said, describing the hallway as a “crowded, uncomfortable place” for grieving family members.

Local advocates for victims’ rights praised the judge’s decision, noting that allowing families full participation upholds the dignity of the legal process and respects the community’s need for closure.

Next steps

The court will set a new sentencing date once the parties provide the requested details. Until then, Engelking and Garcia remain detained, and the Habermehl family awaits the opportunity to address the court in a setting that accommodates all who wish to be present.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.