Crystal Brantley, a State Senator for District 35, emphasized the need for stronger juvenile justice laws in New Mexico to hold violent youth offenders accountable and protect communities. This statement was made during a New Mexico Sun podcast on March 6.
"Democrats and Republicans both want a safer place to raise all families," said Brantley, New Mexico State Senator. "It doesn't matter what your party affiliation is, New Mexicans are sick of the crime rate."
During the podcast, Brantley expressed concern over the growing issue of youth crime in New Mexico, highlighting that many teenage offenders are not being held accountable. She supports juvenile justice reform, including proposals to lower the age for prosecution and expand the list of offenses. These reforms have garnered bipartisan support from both Democrats and Republicans, reflecting shared concerns over rising youth crime.
According to NBC News, an incident in May 2024 involved an 11-year-old boy among three youths charged with first-degree murder after a deliberate hit-and-run killed bicyclist Scott Dwight Habermehl in Albuquerque. The boy, along with a 12- and 15-year-old, was captured on video orchestrating the fatal crash. Prosecutors said this case exposes gaps in a juvenile system not designed to handle such young violent offenders, prompting renewed calls for reform amid increasing youth crime.
NM Health reports that nearly 39% of youth have been involved in physical fights in the past year, with about 8% experiencing multiple incidents and 2% reporting over a dozen fights within just 30 days. These incidents are often linked to gang activity, racism, or discrimination. Alarmingly, 25% of high school students admitted to carrying a weapon within the past month, and nearly half live in homes with firearms.
According to her website, Brantley is notable as the first woman and Republican to represent New Mexico’s Senate District 35. A native of Las Cruces and an NMSU graduate, she is also a rural advocate who serves on the Senate Finance Committee with a focus on agriculture, law enforcement, and small business support.
