The Video at the Center of Elijah Hadley's Case

The story I'm about to tell you and show The story I'm about to tell you and show you is disturbing to say the least, but you is disturbing to say the least, but you is disturbing to say the least, but it's a story you need to know about. it's a story you need to know about. it's a story you need to know about. With a big, controversial murder trial With a big, controversial murder trial With a big, controversial murder trial coming up in June of 2024, a native New coming up in June of 2024, a native New coming up in June of 2024, a native New Mexico teenager was shot and killed Mexico teenager was shot and killed Mexico teenager was shot and killed during what was just supposed to be a during what was just supposed to be a during what was just supposed to be a welfare check. What unfolded was welfare check. What unfolded was welfare check. What unfolded was anything [music] but that, and it is all anything [music] but that, and it is all anything [music] but that, and it is all caught on video. I want to warn you, caught on video. I want to warn you, caught on video. I want to warn you, it's upsetting and [music] very hard to it's upsetting and [music] very hard to it's upsetting and [music] very hard to watch. Crime junkies, I'm Brianna watch. Crime junkies, I'm Brianna watch. Crime junkies, I'm Brianna Whitney, and I'm going to take you Whitney, and I'm going to take you Whitney, and I'm going to take you through it because this is where the through it because this is where the through it because this is where the nightmare began for 17-year-old Elijah nightmare began for 17-year-old Elijah nightmare began for 17-year-old Elijah Hadley's family and friends. Just after 11 p.m. on June 25th, 2024, Just after 11 p.m. on June 25th, 2024, Otto County Sheriff's Office in New Otto County Sheriff's Office in New Otto County Sheriff's Office in New Mexico gets dispatched to do a welfare Mexico gets dispatched to do a welfare Mexico gets dispatched to do a welfare check on Highway 70. Apparently, a woman check on Highway 70. Apparently, a woman check on Highway 70. Apparently, a woman was driving by. She'd seen someone was driving by. She'd seen someone was driving by. She'd seen someone walking alone on the side of the road, walking alone on the side of the road, walking alone on the side of the road, and it's pitch black out there at this and it's pitch black out there at this and it's pitch black out there at this time of night, so no one else is around, time of night, so no one else is around, time of night, so no one else is around, and she's suspicious of why someone is and she's suspicious of why someone is and she's suspicious of why someone is walking alone out there. So, a deputy walking alone out there. So, a deputy walking alone out there. So, a deputy heads to the scene with his dash cam heads to the scene with his dash cam heads to the scene with his dash cam rolling.

rolling. rolling. This isn't an emergency, so the deputy This isn't an emergency, so the deputy This isn't an emergency, so the deputy is driving pretty casually. So much so is driving pretty casually. So much so is driving pretty casually. So much so he even turns on the club song Indigetto he even turns on the club song Indigetto he even turns on the club song Indigetto by Jay Balvin and Skrillex at full by Jay Balvin and Skrillex at full by Jay Balvin and Skrillex at full volume while cruising at 55 mph. Around volume while cruising at 55 mph. Around volume while cruising at 55 mph. Around mile marker 241, the deputy spots this mile marker 241, the deputy spots this mile marker 241, the deputy spots this person on the side of the road. So he person on the side of the road. So he person on the side of the road. So he slows his cruiser as he pulls up slows his cruiser as he pulls up slows his cruiser as he pulls up alongside this person. It's [music] a alongside this person. It's [music] a alongside this person. It's [music] a young guy. He looks like a teenager. young guy. He looks like a teenager. young guy. He looks like a teenager. Appears to just kind of be walking, not Appears to just kind of be walking, not Appears to just kind of be walking, not running and not acting irrationally. And running and not acting irrationally. And running and not acting irrationally. And he doesn't seem to be in distress. What he doesn't seem to be in distress. What he doesn't seem to be in distress. What you expect to happen next on the video you expect to happen next on the video you expect to happen next on the video footage we obtained is for the deputy to footage we obtained is for the deputy to footage we obtained is for the deputy to maybe turn down the music and holler out maybe turn down the music and holler out maybe turn down the music and holler out to him something like, "Hey, you good?" to him something like, "Hey, you good?" to him something like, "Hey, you good?" or "Where you going? Do you need any or "Where you going? Do you need any or "Where you going? Do you need any help?" It starts that way, but that's help?" It starts that way, but that's help?" It starts that way, but that's not how it ended. What you're about to not how it ended. What you're about to not how it ended. What you're about to see and hear next will be shocking and see and hear next will be shocking and see and hear next will be shocking and disturbing. And to our knowledge, it's disturbing. And to our knowledge, it's disturbing. And to our knowledge, it's never been published in its entirety never been published in its entirety never been published in its entirety before. But the family of the young man before. But the family of the young man before. But the family of the young man who was walking on the side of that who was walking on the side of that who was walking on the side of that highway [music] asked us to share it in highway [music] asked us to share it in highway [music] asked us to share it in full with you. They want the world to full with you. They want the world to full with you. They want the world to understand what exactly happened that understand what exactly happened that understand what exactly happened that night and why they're fighting so hard night and why they're fighting so hard night and why they're fighting so hard for justice. It all unfolds in just a for justice. It all unfolds in just a for justice. It all unfolds in just a couple of seconds. So, pay attention.

couple of seconds. So, pay attention. couple of seconds. So, pay attention. Stop right there, bro. Stop. Stop. Stop right there, bro. Stop. Stop. Stop right there, bro. Stop. Stop. Stop right there. You all right? You all right? What are you doing? Let me see your What are you doing? Let me see your What are you doing? Let me see your other hand, bro. other hand, bro. other hand, bro. Let me see your other hand, dog. When the deputy asked the kid to show When the deputy asked the kid to show his hand, he was carrying a shirt that his hand, he was carrying a shirt that his hand, he was carrying a shirt that was draped over his arm. [music] So, as was draped over his arm. [music] So, as was draped over his arm. [music] So, as he pulled out his hand, it revealed what he pulled out his hand, it revealed what he pulled out his hand, it revealed what looked like a gun and he appeared to looked like a gun and he appeared to looked like a gun and he appeared to immediately throw it into the grassy immediately throw it into the grassy immediately throw it into the grassy side median. But it's as he's side median. But it's as he's side median. But it's as he's immediately getting it out of his immediately getting it out of his immediately getting it out of his possession that the deputy fires four possession that the deputy fires four possession that the deputy fires four shots. Now, the kid is on the ground shots. Now, the kid is on the ground shots. Now, the kid is on the ground clearly in pain as he cries out, Let me see your hand. Let me see your hand. >> He holds up a bloody hand, the one that >> He holds up a bloody hand, the one that >> He holds up a bloody hand, the one that he could still move after being shot. he could still move after being shot. he could still move after being shot. So, at this point, it does appear he's So, at this point, it does appear he's So, at this point, it does appear he's following deputy's commands. Now, the following deputy's commands. Now, the following deputy's commands. Now, the deputy doesn't know whether or not it deputy doesn't know whether or not it deputy doesn't know whether or not it really is a BB gun. [music] But either really is a BB gun. [music] But either really is a BB gun. [music] But either way, the guy is on the ground hurt, and way, the guy is on the ground hurt, and way, the guy is on the ground hurt, and whatever gun it is has been thrown away whatever gun it is has been thrown away whatever gun it is has been thrown away from his body into the grass. So, at from his body into the grass. So, at from his body into the grass. So, at least from the dash cam video, it looks least from the dash cam video, it looks least from the dash cam video, it looks like any threat is under control. For like any threat is under control. For like any threat is under control. For several minutes, the deputy calls him several minutes, the deputy calls him several minutes, the deputy calls him back up. He goes to the other side of back up. He goes to the other side of back up. He goes to the other side of his car and gets out like a first aid his car and gets out like a first aid his car and gets out like a first aid kit and then posts up behind his open kit and then posts up behind his open kit and then posts up behind his open car door as he waits for other units to car door as he waits for other units to car door as he waits for other units to arrive. And he radios out that he needs arrive. And he radios out that he needs arrive. And he radios out that he needs to render aid, but says he doesn't even to render aid, but says he doesn't even to render aid, but says he doesn't even know where the gun is or if the person know where the gun is or if the person know where the gun is or if the person could still pick it up. What happens

could still pick it up. What happens could still pick it up. What happens next as the teen is still rolling on the next as the teen is still rolling on the next as the teen is still rolling on the ground shapes the entire crux of this ground shapes the entire crux of this ground shapes the entire crux of this case. case. case. >> DON'T GO TO THAT GUN. [snorts] [snorts] Subject down. Subject down. Subject down. Subject down. Subject down. Subject down. That second round of shots fired at the That second round of shots fired at the That second round of shots fired at the boy killed him before help or backup boy killed him before help or backup boy killed him before help or backup ever even arrived. The video shows them ever even arrived. The video shows them ever even arrived. The video shows them confirming he's dead at the scene. confirming he's dead at the scene. confirming he's dead at the scene. Within two days, New Mexico State Police Within two days, New Mexico State Police Within two days, New Mexico State Police confirmed two things. One, the person confirmed two things. One, the person confirmed two things. One, the person killed was 17-year-old Elijah Hadley, killed was 17-year-old Elijah Hadley, killed was 17-year-old Elijah Hadley, and two, it was just a BB gun he had. In and two, it was just a BB gun he had. In and two, it was just a BB gun he had. In Elijah's final moments, he was telling Elijah's final moments, he was telling Elijah's final moments, he was telling the truth. But there's a lot that the truth. But there's a lot that the truth. But there's a lot that officials don't answer in their initial officials don't answer in their initial officials don't answer in their initial press release, like, who is the deputy? press release, like, who is the deputy? press release, like, who is the deputy? And does he still have a job after this? And does he still have a job after this? And does he still have a job after this? People don't necessarily question that People don't necessarily question that People don't necessarily question that right away, though, because the press right away, though, because the press right away, though, because the press release, in my opinion, glosses over one release, in my opinion, glosses over one release, in my opinion, glosses over one of the most critical facts of this case.

of the most critical facts of this case. of the most critical facts of this case. How many shots were fired? In fact, all How many shots were fired? In fact, all How many shots were fired? In fact, all it says is that when Elijah presented it says is that when Elijah presented it says is that when Elijah presented what appeared to be a gun, quote, "The what appeared to be a gun, quote, "The what appeared to be a gun, quote, "The deputy fired at least one round from his deputy fired at least one round from his deputy fired at least one round from his duty weapon, striking Hadley." At least duty weapon, striking Hadley." At least duty weapon, striking Hadley." At least one round. Sure, adding at least made one round. Sure, adding at least made one round. Sure, adding at least made that technically true, but at least one that technically true, but at least one that technically true, but at least one round did not tell the whole story at round did not tell the whole story at round did not tell the whole story at all. And we know that because we can see all. And we know that because we can see all. And we know that because we can see it and we can hear it. The number of it and we can hear it. The number of it and we can hear it. The number of shots actually fired at Elijah that shots actually fired at Elijah that shots actually fired at Elijah that night varies in case of media reports, night varies in case of media reports, night varies in case of media reports, but at a minimum, officials found he was but at a minimum, officials found he was but at a minimum, officials found he was physically struck by at least 15 physically struck by at least 15 physically struck by at least 15 bullets. So 2 weeks later in July, when bullets. So 2 weeks later in July, when bullets. So 2 weeks later in July, when portions of the dash cam and the body portions of the dash cam and the body portions of the dash cam and the body cam were released to the public through cam were released to the public through cam were released to the public through local news stations, you can imagine the local news stations, you can imagine the local news stations, you can imagine the absolute uproar from people in the absolute uproar from people in the absolute uproar from people in the community. Because what Elijah's family community. Because what Elijah's family community. Because what Elijah's family and many in the community felt they just and many in the community felt they just and many in the community felt they just watched with their own eyes was an watched with their own eyes was an watched with their own eyes was an unjustified killing by the deputy of a unjustified killing by the deputy of a unjustified killing by the deputy of a teen that should not have died that teen that should not have died that teen that should not have died that [music] night.

Elijah Hadley was a messcalero Apache Elijah Hadley was a messcalero Apache teen and lived on the reservation teen and lived on the reservation teen and lived on the reservation nearby. We learned he was one of five nearby. We learned he was one of five nearby. We learned he was one of five siblings, all of which were now young siblings, all of which were now young siblings, all of which were now young adults, except for his little brother, adults, except for his little brother, adults, except for his little brother, whose birthday was actually the day whose birthday was actually the day whose birthday was actually the day after Elijah was killed. It was awful. after Elijah was killed. It was awful. after Elijah was killed. It was awful. This was a super hardworking family. This was a super hardworking family. This was a super hardworking family. Elijah's siblings had a lot of Elijah's siblings had a lot of Elijah's siblings had a lot of responsibilities. Kids, military jobs, responsibilities. Kids, military jobs, responsibilities. Kids, military jobs, financial constraints, etc. And while financial constraints, etc. And while financial constraints, etc. And while they wanted justice for their brother, they wanted justice for their brother, they wanted justice for their brother, they truly did not even know where to they truly did not even know where to they truly did not even know where to start. My first question was, why would start. My first question was, why would start. My first question was, why would Elijah have been walking alone with a BB Elijah have been walking alone with a BB Elijah have been walking alone with a BB gun on the side of the highway at night? gun on the side of the highway at night? gun on the side of the highway at night? I mean, that seemed kind of weird, but I mean, that seemed kind of weird, but I mean, that seemed kind of weird, but family advocates told me it actually family advocates told me it actually family advocates told me it actually wasn't weird at all. You see, life on wasn't weird at all. You see, life on wasn't weird at all. You see, life on the reservation was far from perfect. the reservation was far from perfect. the reservation was far from perfect. The area is low income, so they said The area is low income, so they said The area is low income, so they said pretty often you would see people pretty often you would see people pretty often you would see people walking along the roads, sometimes on walking along the roads, sometimes on walking along the roads, sometimes on and off the reservation. And police and off the reservation. And police and off the reservation. And police records seem to corroborate that. I read records seem to corroborate that. I read records seem to corroborate that. I read that officers would get lots of calls of that officers would get lots of calls of that officers would get lots of calls of people walking up and down the road, people walking up and down the road, people walking up and down the road, especially in the summertime, and especially in the summertime, and especially in the summertime, and sometimes officers would even offer to sometimes officers would even offer to sometimes officers would even offer to give them rides back to the reservation give them rides back to the reservation give them rides back to the reservation line. But where was Elijah going? And line. But where was Elijah going? And line. But where was Elijah going? And actually, for that matter, where was he actually, for that matter, where was he actually, for that matter, where was he even coming from? Elijah's family even coming from? Elijah's family even coming from? Elijah's family believes his friends dropped him off believes his friends dropped him off believes his friends dropped him off that night and thought it would be funny that night and thought it would be funny that night and thought it would be funny to ditch him. Now, nobody knows this to ditch him. Now, nobody knows this to ditch him. Now, nobody knows this part for sure, but they think he was part for sure, but they think he was part for sure, but they think he was dropped off at the church down the dropped off at the church down the dropped off at the church down the street, which was about 2 and 1/2 miles street, which was about 2 and 1/2 miles street, which was about 2 and 1/2 miles from his mom's house on the reservation.

from his mom's house on the reservation. from his mom's house on the reservation. So, the thought was he was just simply So, the thought was he was just simply So, the thought was he was just simply walking home. When the deputy caught up walking home. When the deputy caught up walking home. When the deputy caught up to him, Elijah was less than half a mile to him, Elijah was less than half a mile to him, Elijah was less than half a mile from the reservation. So, had he made it from the reservation. So, had he made it from the reservation. So, had he made it over the res line, it is possible the over the res line, it is possible the over the res line, it is possible the Otto County deputy would not or could Otto County deputy would not or could Otto County deputy would not or could not have responded to this call at all not have responded to this call at all not have responded to this call at all due to the jurisdiction. And that part due to the jurisdiction. And that part due to the jurisdiction. And that part haunts everyone. [music] haunts everyone. [music] haunts everyone. [music] Then there's the question of why Elijah Then there's the question of why Elijah Then there's the question of why Elijah had a BB gun. You could chalk it up to a had a BB gun. You could chalk it up to a had a BB gun. You could chalk it up to a teen being a teen wanting to look cool, teen being a teen wanting to look cool, teen being a teen wanting to look cool, but what if the reason was more legit? I but what if the reason was more legit? I but what if the reason was more legit? I say that [music] because it was say that [music] because it was say that [music] because it was community members that discovered community members that discovered community members that discovered something really important and telling something really important and telling something really important and telling that could actually explain why. that could actually explain why. that could actually explain why. According to the Bureau of Indian According to the Bureau of Indian According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs police in Mescalero, [music] Affairs police in Mescalero, [music] Affairs police in Mescalero, [music] they actually had a call for service they actually had a call for service they actually had a call for service involving Elijah just one day before the involving Elijah just one day before the involving Elijah just one day before the shooting. They said Elijah Hadley was shooting. They said Elijah Hadley was shooting. They said Elijah Hadley was the victim of battery and they actually the victim of battery and they actually the victim of battery and they actually had pictures of Elijah with his face cut had pictures of Elijah with his face cut had pictures of Elijah with his face cut up that they took to put into the case up that they took to put into the case up that they took to put into the case file. So, anyone could reasonably file. So, anyone could reasonably file. So, anyone could reasonably believe Elijah at least wanted to look believe Elijah at least wanted to look believe Elijah at least wanted to look like he was protected to not get beat up like he was protected to not get beat up like he was protected to not get beat up again, and that's why he had the BB gun.

again, and that's why he had the BB gun. again, and that's why he had the BB gun. But family advocates knew other rumors But family advocates knew other rumors But family advocates knew other rumors were going around town on the other were going around town on the other were going around town on the other side. People that thought Elijah was side. People that thought Elijah was side. People that thought Elijah was asking for trouble, carrying around asking for trouble, carrying around asking for trouble, carrying around anything that resembled a real gun, even anything that resembled a real gun, even anything that resembled a real gun, even if it was just a baby gun. And Elijah if it was just a baby gun. And Elijah if it was just a baby gun. And Elijah wasn't perfect. I spoke to one of his wasn't perfect. I spoke to one of his wasn't perfect. I spoke to one of his high school teachers, his teacher Kelly high school teachers, his teacher Kelly high school teachers, his teacher Kelly Smith, who told me she taught him twice. Smith, who told me she taught him twice. Smith, who told me she taught him twice. And at one point in high school, he had And at one point in high school, he had And at one point in high school, he had to wear an ankle monitor after getting to wear an ankle monitor after getting to wear an ankle monitor after getting in trouble. But Kelly said Elijah really in trouble. But Kelly said Elijah really in trouble. But Kelly said Elijah really just needed more support. That he was just needed more support. That he was just needed more support. That he was actually very obedient and respectful of actually very obedient and respectful of actually very obedient and respectful of her. He was extremely artistic, kind of her. He was extremely artistic, kind of her. He was extremely artistic, kind of an old soul type. And he recently told an old soul type. And he recently told an old soul type. And he recently told her more or less that the past was in her more or less that the past was in her more or less that the past was in the past and he was going to seriously the past and he was going to seriously the past and he was going to seriously focus on his art to get himself on a focus on his art to get himself on a focus on his art to get himself on a good path moving forward. And he really good path moving forward. And he really good path moving forward. And he really wasn't just talking the talk on that wasn't just talking the talk on that wasn't just talking the talk on that either. He was taking action. He had either. He was taking action. He had either. He was taking action. He had just won a big art competition. The main just won a big art competition. The main just won a big art competition. The main thing that stuck with Kelly about Elijah thing that stuck with Kelly about Elijah thing that stuck with Kelly about Elijah was that he never ever talked or fought was that he never ever talked or fought was that he never ever talked or fought back, not only with teachers, but back, not only with teachers, but back, not only with teachers, but [music] with anyone. So, when she [music] with anyone. So, when she [music] with anyone. So, when she learned he may have disobeyed the learned he may have disobeyed the learned he may have disobeyed the deputy, and that's why he got shot, she deputy, and that's why he got shot, she deputy, and that's why he got shot, she thought, "No way. That's not Elijah."

thought, "No way. That's not Elijah." thought, "No way. That's not Elijah." For her, watching the video confirmed For her, watching the video confirmed For her, watching the video confirmed just as much and brought her to tears. just as much and brought her to tears. just as much and brought her to tears. Now, here's the thing. According to a Now, here's the thing. According to a Now, here's the thing. According to a KOAT news investigation, the deputy was KOAT news investigation, the deputy was KOAT news investigation, the deputy was put on paid leave as the internal put on paid leave as the internal put on paid leave as the internal investigation was being done, which is investigation was being done, which is investigation was being done, which is pretty standard. But then weeks go by pretty standard. But then weeks go by pretty standard. But then weeks go by and nothing seems to be changing or and nothing seems to be changing or and nothing seems to be changing or happening and the community is like, happening and the community is like, happening and the community is like, "Okay, why is nothing happening?" Then "Okay, why is nothing happening?" Then "Okay, why is nothing happening?" Then something does happen that shocks something does happen that shocks something does happen that shocks everyone. That KOAT investigation revealed the That KOAT investigation revealed the deputy was on paid leave until September deputy was on paid leave until September deputy was on paid leave until September 2024. But then the sheriff's office 2024. But then the sheriff's office 2024. But then the sheriff's office themselves confirmed he was cleared to themselves confirmed he was cleared to themselves confirmed he was cleared to return to full duty. That's full pay, return to full duty. That's full pay, return to full duty. That's full pay, full duties, full police work. I mean, full duties, full police work. I mean, full duties, full police work. I mean, it was completely backwards from what it was completely backwards from what it was completely backwards from what Elijah's loved ones were trying to do. Elijah's loved ones were trying to do. Elijah's loved ones were trying to do. They felt like their voices weren't They felt like their voices weren't They felt like their voices weren't heard after desperately trying for heard after desperately trying for heard after desperately trying for months. And they had been doing a lot to months. And they had been doing a lot to months. And they had been doing a lot to try and move the needle. Protests and try and move the needle. Protests and try and move the needle. Protests and walks were being held in honor of Elijah walks were being held in honor of Elijah walks were being held in honor of Elijah in hopes that power and numbers would in hopes that power and numbers would in hopes that power and numbers would sway actual action to be done with the sway actual action to be done with the sway actual action to be done with the deputy. And remember I told you earlier deputy. And remember I told you earlier deputy. And remember I told you earlier Elijah's family needed help. They went Elijah's family needed help. They went Elijah's family needed help. They went to as many of these protests as they to as many of these protests as they to as many of these protests as they could, but they just could not get to could, but they just could not get to could, but they just could not get to everything. And they ended up meeting everything. And they ended up meeting everything. And they ended up meeting two strangers at a protest who became two strangers at a protest who became two strangers at a protest who became hugely important to this case. Kristen hugely important to this case. Kristen hugely important to this case. Kristen Bryce and Danielle Ta didn't actually Bryce and Danielle Ta didn't actually Bryce and Danielle Ta didn't actually know the Hadley's before this, but they know the Hadley's before this, but they know the Hadley's before this, but they lived in Ela Magguardo, where the lived in Ela Magguardo, where the lived in Ela Magguardo, where the sheriff's office was, and felt so sheriff's office was, and felt so sheriff's office was, and felt so strongly about what happened to Elijah, strongly about what happened to Elijah, strongly about what happened to Elijah, that his family ended up trusting them

that his family ended up trusting them that his family ended up trusting them to help with the public advocacy side of to help with the public advocacy side of to help with the public advocacy side of things. And actually, because his family things. And actually, because his family things. And actually, because his family is being extra careful with legal is being extra careful with legal is being extra careful with legal proceedings, Kristen and Danielle are proceedings, Kristen and Danielle are proceedings, Kristen and Danielle are the reason that we know so much about the reason that we know so much about the reason that we know so much about Elijah's life and the case itself. For Elijah's life and the case itself. For Elijah's life and the case itself. For six weeks straight, the two of them sat six weeks straight, the two of them sat six weeks straight, the two of them sat outside the sheriff's office, sun up to outside the sheriff's office, sun up to outside the sheriff's office, sun up to sun down, with signs calling for the sun down, with signs calling for the sun down, with signs calling for the deputy to be fired and charged. The deputy to be fired and charged. The deputy to be fired and charged. The deputy, by the way, that no one still deputy, by the way, that no one still deputy, by the way, that no one still knew the name of. And while there were knew the name of. And while there were knew the name of. And while there were rumors circulating around town about who rumors circulating around town about who rumors circulating around town about who this deputy was, the Otto County this deputy was, the Otto County this deputy was, the Otto County Sheriff's Office never identified him Sheriff's Office never identified him Sheriff's Office never identified him publicly. But in January 2025, breaking publicly. But in January 2025, breaking publicly. But in January 2025, breaking news came down in local news feeds that news came down in local news feeds that news came down in local news feeds that Elijah's family and friends honestly Elijah's family and friends honestly Elijah's family and friends honestly thought they would never see. The Bruno thought they would never see. The Bruno thought they would never see. The Bruno County District Attorney's Office, who County District Attorney's Office, who County District Attorney's Office, who had been reviewing the case, announced had been reviewing the case, announced had been reviewing the case, announced they had submitted charges against they had submitted charges against they had submitted charges against Deputy Jacob Diaz Austin for firstdegree Deputy Jacob Diaz Austin for firstdegree Deputy Jacob Diaz Austin for firstdegree murder of Elijah Hadley. So, guess what? murder of Elijah Hadley. So, guess what? murder of Elijah Hadley. So, guess what? He was now back on paid admin leave He was now back on paid admin leave He was now back on paid admin leave because he was now a murder defendant. because he was now a murder defendant. because he was now a murder defendant. Kristen told me they were shocked. I Kristen told me they were shocked. I Kristen told me they were shocked. I mean, things had been so quiet. They'd mean, things had been so quiet. They'd mean, things had been so quiet. They'd actually been trying to get the ACLU actually been trying to get the ACLU actually been trying to get the ACLU involved. So, when I say this came out involved. So, when I say this came out involved. So, when I say this came out of nowhere, it really did. And there of nowhere, it really did. And there of nowhere, it really did. And there were tears, hugs, relief. Kristen said were tears, hugs, relief. Kristen said were tears, hugs, relief. Kristen said they were experiencing it all at once.

they were experiencing it all at once. they were experiencing it all at once. Elijah's family truly felt heard and Elijah's family truly felt heard and Elijah's family truly felt heard and seen for the first time since he died. seen for the first time since he died. seen for the first time since he died. But the big question they all had, who But the big question they all had, who But the big question they all had, who was Jacob Diaz [music] Austin, and what was Jacob Diaz [music] Austin, and what was Jacob Diaz [music] Austin, and what was his reason or his explanation to was his reason or his explanation to was his reason or his explanation to shoot as many times as he did? shoot as many times as he did? shoot as many times as he did? >> And did this subject appear to be >> And did this subject appear to be >> And did this subject appear to be familiar? Have you dealt with him familiar? Have you dealt with him familiar? Have you dealt with him before? before? before? >> No, sir. >> No, sir. >> No, sir. >> That's Deputy Jacob Diaz Austin. That's >> That's Deputy Jacob Diaz Austin. That's >> That's Deputy Jacob Diaz Austin. That's 5 days after the shooting and he's 5 days after the shooting and he's 5 days after the shooting and he's answering questions about what happened answering questions about what happened answering questions about what happened from his point of view. At that point, from his point of view. At that point, from his point of view. At that point, he was not charged in the case. Now that he was not charged in the case. Now that he was not charged in the case. Now that charges were filed 6 months later, it charges were filed 6 months later, it charges were filed 6 months later, it was videos like this that were being was videos like this that were being was videos like this that were being released as part of media public records released as part of media public records released as part of media public records requests. So, this was the first time requests. So, this was the first time requests. So, this was the first time anyone was getting to hear the deputy's anyone was getting to hear the deputy's anyone was getting to hear the deputy's side of the story. Jacob Diaz Austin side of the story. Jacob Diaz Austin side of the story. Jacob Diaz Austin claimed he had never seen Elijah Hadley claimed he had never seen Elijah Hadley claimed he had never seen Elijah Hadley before, and Elijah's family and friends before, and Elijah's family and friends before, and Elijah's family and friends certainly had never heard his name certainly had never heard his name certainly had never heard his name before either. So, it didn't seem like before either. So, it didn't seem like before either. So, it didn't seem like there was any prior connection there. there was any prior connection there. there was any prior connection there. The deputy said when he initiated shots, The deputy said when he initiated shots, The deputy said when he initiated shots, Elijah grabbed across his waistband and Elijah grabbed across his waistband and Elijah grabbed across his waistband and had the gun. Here's the thing. Kristen had the gun. Here's the thing. Kristen had the gun. Here's the thing. Kristen and Danielle, even Elijah's teacher, and Danielle, even Elijah's teacher, and Danielle, even Elijah's teacher, Kelly, all told me the same thing. In Kelly, all told me the same thing. In Kelly, all told me the same thing. In that exact moment, the deputy likely did that exact moment, the deputy likely did that exact moment, the deputy likely did fear it was a real gun, and they can fear it was a real gun, and they can fear it was a real gun, and they can understand those first shots being understand those first shots being understand those first shots being fired. But no one could find any fired. But no one could find any fired. But no one could find any explanation for the barrage of shots explanation for the barrage of shots explanation for the barrage of shots fired many minutes later while Elijah fired many minutes later while Elijah fired many minutes later while Elijah appeared to be clearly incapacitated on appeared to be clearly incapacitated on appeared to be clearly incapacitated on the ground. They were all very eager to the ground. They were all very eager to the ground. They were all very eager to hear how Deputy Diaz Austin would hear how Deputy Diaz Austin would hear how Deputy Diaz Austin would explain that. And even after the deputy explain that. And even after the deputy explain that. And even after the deputy goes through the narrative from his POV, goes through the narrative from his POV, goes through the narrative from his POV, the detective asked the deputy this

the detective asked the deputy this the detective asked the deputy this question about the overall incident. question about the overall incident. question about the overall incident. >> Were verbal commands given to the >> Were verbal commands given to the >> Were verbal commands given to the subject at any time? subject at any time? subject at any time? >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. I gave verbal commands to let me >> Okay. I gave verbal commands to let me >> Okay. I gave verbal commands to let me see his hands. Okay. see his hands. Okay. see his hands. Okay. >> Did he comply? >> Did he comply? >> Did he comply? >> No, sir. >> No, sir. >> No, sir. >> Except that is not what the video shows >> Except that is not what the video shows >> Except that is not what the video shows on both the dash cam and the body cam. on both the dash cam and the body cam. on both the dash cam and the body cam. We saw Elijah reach up his bloody hand, We saw Elijah reach up his bloody hand, We saw Elijah reach up his bloody hand, remember? But Deputy Diaz Austin remember? But Deputy Diaz Austin remember? But Deputy Diaz Austin continues explaining himself to the continues explaining himself to the continues explaining himself to the detective. detective. detective. >> And for him to reach over um would have >> And for him to reach over um would have >> And for him to reach over um would have taken about one roll or so to to get a taken about one roll or so to to get a taken about one roll or so to to get a hold of that firearm. Um, when he hold of that firearm. Um, when he hold of that firearm. Um, when he reached over, I shot again and I reached over, I shot again and I reached over, I shot again and I retreated to the rear of my unit on retreated to the rear of my unit on retreated to the rear of my unit on driver's side where I had reloaded my driver's side where I had reloaded my driver's side where I had reloaded my firearm and with him having the gun in firearm and with him having the gun in firearm and with him having the gun in his possession in his hand from my angle his possession in his hand from my angle his possession in his hand from my angle where he was, the gun was in his hand, I where he was, the gun was in his hand, I where he was, the gun was in his hand, I saw him pop up like his shoulder come up saw him pop up like his shoulder come up saw him pop up like his shoulder come up again and I initiated more rounds. again and I initiated more rounds. again and I initiated more rounds. >> Okay, so basically the deputy seemed to >> Okay, so basically the deputy seemed to >> Okay, so basically the deputy seemed to have either thought the gun was super have either thought the gun was super have either thought the gun was super close to Elijah or that he ruled on top close to Elijah or that he ruled on top close to Elijah or that he ruled on top of it. But even the detective of it. But even the detective of it. But even the detective questioning him seems confused questioning him seems confused questioning him seems confused >> prior to the second uh shots fired after >> prior to the second uh shots fired after >> prior to the second uh shots fired after he was already on the ground. Uh just to he was already on the ground. Uh just to he was already on the ground. Uh just to clarify, did you at any point see the clarify, did you at any point see the clarify, did you at any point see the firearm in his hands?

firearm in his hands? firearm in his hands? >> No, sir. It was on the left side of his >> No, sir. It was on the left side of his >> No, sir. It was on the left side of his body. body. body. >> Okay. Just did you saw it there or? >> Okay. Just did you saw it there or? >> Okay. Just did you saw it there or? >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. So, it was on the ground. >> Okay. So, it was on the ground. >> Okay. So, it was on the ground. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. And same thing for the third. And same thing for the third. And same thing for the third. It was still on the ground. It was still on the ground. It was still on the ground. >> Yes, sir. I believe the third the third >> Yes, sir. I believe the third the third >> Yes, sir. I believe the third the third time, um, his hand, I believe, was on it time, um, his hand, I believe, was on it time, um, his hand, I believe, was on it or near it, but on the ground. Yes, sir. or near it, but on the ground. Yes, sir. or near it, but on the ground. Yes, sir. >> Oh, you rolled towards you. Yes, sir. >> Oh, you rolled towards you. Yes, sir. >> Oh, you rolled towards you. Yes, sir. >> Now, there's something I haven't told >> Now, there's something I haven't told >> Now, there's something I haven't told you yet. The second Jacob Diaz Austin's you yet. The second Jacob Diaz Austin's you yet. The second Jacob Diaz Austin's name was released to the public, name was released to the public, name was released to the public, advocates and supporters of Elijah advocates and supporters of Elijah advocates and supporters of Elijah started web sleuththing to learn started web sleuththing to learn started web sleuththing to learn literally everything and anything they literally everything and anything they literally everything and anything they could about him, Kristen and Danielle could about him, Kristen and Danielle could about him, Kristen and Danielle included. Elijah's death happened in included. Elijah's death happened in included. Elijah's death happened in 2024, which was 3 years after Diaz 2024, which was 3 years after Diaz 2024, which was 3 years after Diaz Austin graduated from the academy and Austin graduated from the academy and Austin graduated from the academy and then joined the Otto County Sheriff's then joined the Otto County Sheriff's then joined the Otto County Sheriff's Office in 2021. That was all fine and Office in 2021. That was all fine and Office in 2021. That was all fine and good. No red flags there until people good. No red flags there until people good. No red flags there until people found a civil lawsuit from 2020 that found a civil lawsuit from 2020 that found a civil lawsuit from 2020 that revealed something shocking. It revealed something shocking. It revealed something shocking. It presented two new possible theories to presented two new possible theories to presented two new possible theories to people following the case about why the people following the case about why the people following the case about why the deputy fired as many times as he did.

deputy fired as many times as he did. deputy fired as many times as he did. According to these court docs, in August According to these court docs, in August According to these court docs, in August of 2020, Jacob Diaz Austin was teaching of 2020, Jacob Diaz Austin was teaching of 2020, Jacob Diaz Austin was teaching students a concealed carry course at a students a concealed carry course at a students a concealed carry course at a shooting range, and he was running them shooting range, and he was running them shooting range, and he was running them through a drill in some sort of area of through a drill in some sort of area of through a drill in some sort of area of the range that should have been closed. the range that should have been closed. the range that should have been closed. During that drill, apparently, he was During that drill, apparently, he was During that drill, apparently, he was hit in the glasses by some sort of hit in the glasses by some sort of hit in the glasses by some sort of unidentified object that hit him so hard unidentified object that hit him so hard unidentified object that hit him so hard it actually damaged his right eye. And I it actually damaged his right eye. And I it actually damaged his right eye. And I don't just mean a black eye. In the don't just mean a black eye. In the don't just mean a black eye. In the records, the injury is described as records, the injury is described as records, the injury is described as quote severe and permanent. So, that quote severe and permanent. So, that quote severe and permanent. So, that left people like Kristen and Danielle left people like Kristen and Danielle left people like Kristen and Danielle mulling over a couple thoughts here. mulling over a couple thoughts here. mulling over a couple thoughts here. One, is it possible the deputy had PTSD One, is it possible the deputy had PTSD One, is it possible the deputy had PTSD from that incident, and the amount of from that incident, and the amount of from that incident, and the amount of shots he fired at Elijah was an shots he fired at Elijah was an shots he fired at Elijah was an emotional reaction? And two, um, could emotional reaction? And two, um, could emotional reaction? And two, um, could the deputy even see where the gun was? I the deputy even see where the gun was? I the deputy even see where the gun was? I mean, it's a legitimate concern. It was mean, it's a legitimate concern. It was mean, it's a legitimate concern. It was very dark out and if according to the very dark out and if according to the very dark out and if according to the court docs, his right eye is severely court docs, his right eye is severely court docs, his right eye is severely and permanently damaged, it is possible and permanently damaged, it is possible and permanently damaged, it is possible he did actually think the BB gun was a he did actually think the BB gun was a he did actually think the BB gun was a lot closer to Elijah's body than it lot closer to Elijah's body than it lot closer to Elijah's body than it actually was. But then the obvious actually was. But then the obvious actually was. But then the obvious follow-up question here is, well, how follow-up question here is, well, how follow-up question here is, well, how did he pass the test to become a deputy did he pass the test to become a deputy did he pass the test to become a deputy if he can't see? Well, that eye injury if he can't see? Well, that eye injury if he can't see? Well, that eye injury happened a year before he even became an happened a year before he even became an happened a year before he even became an officer. And I have his certificates. I officer. And I have his certificates. I officer. And I have his certificates. I looked at them all. It looks like he did looked at them all. It looks like he did looked at them all. It looks like he did pass all the trainings. So, honestly, we pass all the trainings. So, honestly, we pass all the trainings. So, honestly, we don't even know if that was a factor.

don't even know if that was a factor. don't even know if that was a factor. And we probably won't know this until it And we probably won't know this until it And we probably won't know this until it gets to trial and we see all the gets to trial and we see all the gets to trial and we see all the evidence his defense team presents. If evidence his defense team presents. If evidence his defense team presents. If they even mention the eye injury at all, they even mention the eye injury at all, they even mention the eye injury at all, but that did get people talking. Want to but that did get people talking. Want to but that did get people talking. Want to know the other thing everyone's talking know the other thing everyone's talking know the other thing everyone's talking about? Remember, Jacob Diaz Austin was about? Remember, Jacob Diaz Austin was about? Remember, Jacob Diaz Austin was put back on paid admin leave since he put back on paid admin leave since he put back on paid admin leave since he was charged with murder. You might be was charged with murder. You might be was charged with murder. You might be thinking, well, yeah, sure, on paper thinking, well, yeah, sure, on paper thinking, well, yeah, sure, on paper he's in jail, charged with first-degree he's in jail, charged with first-degree he's in jail, charged with first-degree murder. Well, no, he's not. Okay, so murder. Well, no, he's not. Okay, so murder. Well, no, he's not. Okay, so that must mean he bonded out, right? that must mean he bonded out, right? that must mean he bonded out, right? Also, no. And he is not wearing an ankle Also, no. And he is not wearing an ankle Also, no. And he is not wearing an ankle monitor. Now, I have been covering true monitor. Now, I have been covering true monitor. Now, I have been covering true crime news for more than a decade, and I crime news for more than a decade, and I crime news for more than a decade, and I have never seen this in my career where have never seen this in my career where have never seen this in my career where somebody charged with first-degree somebody charged with first-degree somebody charged with first-degree murder awaiting trial who is not in murder awaiting trial who is not in murder awaiting trial who is not in custody is not being electronically custody is not being electronically custody is not being electronically monitored. And no one I spoke to in the monitored. And no one I spoke to in the monitored. And no one I spoke to in the community seemed to know why. So, I community seemed to know why. So, I community seemed to know why. So, I tried to figure it out, which honestly tried to figure it out, which honestly tried to figure it out, which honestly was a very complicated feat. But here's was a very complicated feat. But here's was a very complicated feat. But here's what I was able to confirm. Apparently, what I was able to confirm. Apparently, what I was able to confirm. Apparently, the deputy waved arraignment. So, the the deputy waved arraignment. So, the the deputy waved arraignment. So, the New Mexico State Police told me that New Mexico State Police told me that New Mexico State Police told me that technically is a plea of not guilty.

technically is a plea of not guilty. technically is a plea of not guilty. They said a judge decides the conditions They said a judge decides the conditions They said a judge decides the conditions of release and confirmed the deputy does of release and confirmed the deputy does of release and confirmed the deputy does not have on an ankle monitor. But when I not have on an ankle monitor. But when I not have on an ankle monitor. But when I tried to get clarification from both the tried to get clarification from both the tried to get clarification from both the court and the Otto County Sheriff's court and the Otto County Sheriff's court and the Otto County Sheriff's Office on those release conditions, I Office on those release conditions, I Office on those release conditions, I first got absolutely nowhere with the first got absolutely nowhere with the first got absolutely nowhere with the sheriff's office. In fact, the Otto sheriff's office. In fact, the Otto sheriff's office. In fact, the Otto County Sheriff's Office hasn't responded County Sheriff's Office hasn't responded County Sheriff's Office hasn't responded to any of my questions or emails about to any of my questions or emails about to any of my questions or emails about the case at all. I've even emailed the the case at all. I've even emailed the the case at all. I've even emailed the sheriff himself numerous times. Nothing. sheriff himself numerous times. Nothing. sheriff himself numerous times. Nothing. Then I kept getting bounced around Then I kept getting bounced around Then I kept getting bounced around within the court system on where to get within the court system on where to get within the court system on where to get these release conditions. It was like a these release conditions. It was like a these release conditions. It was like a goose chase. It was actually so goose chase. It was actually so goose chase. It was actually so frustrating. And all of that to frustrating. And all of that to frustrating. And all of that to eventually finally get a phone call back eventually finally get a phone call back eventually finally get a phone call back from the court staff telling me those from the court staff telling me those from the court staff telling me those release conditions are sealed, which release conditions are sealed, which release conditions are sealed, which seems annoyingly convenient for a seems annoyingly convenient for a seems annoyingly convenient for a situation so rare and controversial. So situation so rare and controversial. So situation so rare and controversial. So I thought that part was going to remain I thought that part was going to remain I thought that part was going to remain a mystery for now. But that recently a mystery for now. But that recently a mystery for now. But that recently changed. Thanks to the family advocates changed. Thanks to the family advocates changed. Thanks to the family advocates going to the courthouse in person in New going to the courthouse in person in New going to the courthouse in person in New Mexico after my attempt at trying to get Mexico after my attempt at trying to get Mexico after my attempt at trying to get the release conditions, they were the release conditions, they were the release conditions, they were somehow able to get a version that was somehow able to get a version that was somehow able to get a version that was unsealed. So reading through them, it unsealed. So reading through them, it unsealed. So reading through them, it appears that there were three options appears that there were three options appears that there were three options for release. Paying a bond, going into for release. Paying a bond, going into for release. Paying a bond, going into third party custody, or being released third party custody, or being released third party custody, or being released on personal recgnissance. And it's on personal recgnissance. And it's on personal recgnissance. And it's option three that Deputy Diaz Austin was option three that Deputy Diaz Austin was option three that Deputy Diaz Austin was released on based on these stocks.

released on based on these stocks. released on based on these stocks. personal recgnissance. That basically personal recgnissance. That basically personal recgnissance. That basically means that the court is taking the means that the court is taking the means that the court is taking the deputy at his word that he promises to deputy at his word that he promises to deputy at his word that he promises to show up at court when required. Usually, show up at court when required. Usually, show up at court when required. Usually, this is for low-risk defendants. Again, this is for low-risk defendants. Again, this is for low-risk defendants. Again, never heard of this [clears throat] for never heard of this [clears throat] for never heard of this [clears throat] for first-degree murder, but that's what first-degree murder, but that's what first-degree murder, but that's what ended up happening. I asked the deputies ended up happening. I asked the deputies ended up happening. I asked the deputies attorneys for comments on all of this as attorneys for comments on all of this as attorneys for comments on all of this as we inch toward trial, but I got no we inch toward trial, but I got no we inch toward trial, but I got no response back. So, it doesn't seem we'll response back. So, it doesn't seem we'll response back. So, it doesn't seem we'll truly learn more until the trial begins. truly learn more until the trial begins. truly learn more until the trial begins. that finally feels like it's almost here that finally feels like it's almost here that finally feels like it's almost here for Elijah's family and supporters after for Elijah's family and supporters after for Elijah's family and supporters after months of these tense hearings just to months of these tense hearings just to months of these tense hearings just to get there. Where the deputies family and get there. Where the deputies family and get there. Where the deputies family and friends have been there in full force friends have been there in full force friends have been there in full force supporting his innocence, too. Elijah's supporting his innocence, too. Elijah's supporting his innocence, too. Elijah's loved ones hope ahead of what's about to loved ones hope ahead of what's about to loved ones hope ahead of what's about to come in the courtroom. You'll watch the come in the courtroom. You'll watch the come in the courtroom. You'll watch the video and what happened and understand video and what happened and understand video and what happened and understand why they continue to demand why they continue to demand why they continue to demand accountability in Elijah's death. Crime accountability in Elijah's death. Crime accountability in Elijah's death. Crime junkies, we will keep you updated as junkies, we will keep you updated as junkies, we will keep you updated as this trial begins and unfolds. So, make this trial begins and unfolds. So, make this trial begins and unfolds. So, make sure to subscribe and hit the bell icon sure to subscribe and hit the bell icon sure to subscribe and hit the bell icon for additional updates on this and other for additional updates on this and other for additional updates on this and other cases our team covers.