WARNING: This episode includes graphic footage of a fatal shooting of a minor. Viewers will see and hear gunfire, visible injuries, and audio of distress leading to and following a teenager’s death.
Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
In the late hours of June 25, 2024, a deputy with the Otero County Sheriff’s Office responded to what should have been a routine welfare check along U.S. Highway 70 near Mescalero, New Mexico. The person walking alone was 17-year-old Elijah Hadley. Within minutes, Elijah was dead.
The entire encounter was captured on law enforcement cameras, and today, the deputy involved is awaiting trial on a first-degree murder charge.
In this Crime Junkie investigation, breaking news reporter Briana Whitney breaks down one of the most controversial officer-involved shootings in recent years, using court records, interviews, and video evidence to examine what happened that night and why Elijah Hadley’s family continues to fight for justice.
You’ll learn about what happened during the welfare check on June 25, 2024, the body camera and dash camera footage that became central to the investigation, why Elijah Hadley was walking along Highway 70 that night, the discovery that the object Elijah carried was a BB gun, the investigation that led to criminal charges against Otero County Sheriff’s Deputy Jacob Diaz-Austin, and the legal questions that remain ahead of trial.
This episode also explores the challenges facing the Mescalero Apache community, the role video evidence has played in the investigation, the advocacy efforts led by Elijah’s family and supporters, and why this case has drawn national attention as the criminal proceedings move forward.
Jacob Diaz-Austin’s trial is scheduled to begin August 17th.
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Ashley Flowers is the top female podcaster in the U.S. and the host of Crime Junkie, the #1 podcast among women and the #1 true crime podcast globally. As the Founder of Audiochuck, she has built a top-tier podcast production company that has garnered over 2.6 billion downloads, captivating audiences with its gripping storytelling through 10+ chart topping podcasts. Ashley and her team are dedicated to creating responsible true crime content that respects victims and their families.
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Watch Crime Junkie true crime podcast dedicated to covering the cases we just can’t get out of our heads. Every Monday, host Ashley Flowers on SloppBoxx.Com.
He’s too scary to be a police officer frfr like damn
That’s crazy I mean why did he even bother him for? He was only walking and he shot him multiple times! The cop needs to go to prison bc that’s straight murder there
I want him to get the death penalty
Not surprised about the otero county sheriff’s department. It is the Wild West there after living in alamogordo for several years, I can attest the laws are for thee and not for we is a common theme
New Mexican here. Seeing incidents like this is becoming more and more prominent. Officer involved shootings or crashes. Unnecessary use of force, and illegal activities that are so horrible.
Also, you don’t mess around on the rez. There are plenty of reasons to have a weapon, especially alone and at night. We have to do better.
Cops that quick to pull the trigger shouldn’t be cops…
Forgive my ignorance orange but is this Deputy being paid while awaiting trial for murder. No words if so