On June 25, 2024, 17-year-old Elijah Hadley, a member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe from Bent, New Mexico, was fatally shot by an Otero County Sheriff's deputy during a welfare check. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. on U.S. Highway 70 near mile marker 240, between Tularosa and Mescalero.
According to reports, Deputy Jacob Diaz-Austin responded to a call about a male walking in the median of the highway. Upon encountering Hadley, the deputy ordered him to show his hands.
Dashboard camera footage reveals that Hadley was dropping what appeared to be a firearm when Diaz-Austin opened fire. The object was later identified as an airsoft pistol, a replica gun designed to shoot non-metal rounds.
After the initial shots, Hadley fell to the ground, crying out that it was 'just a BB gun.' For approximately three minutes, he lay bleeding while the deputy kept his distance. When Hadley attempted to roll onto his stomach, Diaz-Austin fired at least a dozen more times. In total, Hadley was reportedly shot 19 times.
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was called to investigate the shooting. They completed their investigation in July and submitted a case file to the 12th Judicial District Attorney's Office in Alamogordo. Due to potential conflicts of interest, the case was then transferred to the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office for review and possible criminal charges.
As of December 2024, no arrests have been made in connection with Hadley's death. The Otero County Sheriff's Office has not officially released the name of the deputy involved, although media reports have identified him as Jacob Diaz-Austin.
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for justice within the community. Protests and marches have been organized, with participants demanding transparency and accountability. A petition circulating online calls for the resignation of the deputy involved and Otero County Sheriff David Black, citing a lack of communication and transparency.
The case continues to be under scrutiny, with many questioning the use of force and the protocols followed during the incident. Former Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White, after reviewing the footage, expressed concern about the deputy's actions, particularly the failure to secure the weapon and the subsequent shots fired when Hadley was already incapacitated.
