LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Authorities have arrested a 20-year-old man and two teenagers on suspicion of murder following a tragic shooting at Young Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico, that resulted in three fatalities and left 15 others injured. This incident occurred during an unauthorized gathering on Friday night.
The individuals taken into custody include Tomas Rivas and a 17-year-old male, apprehended on Saturday evening, while another 17-year-old male was arrested on Sunday morning. Each could face murder charges, with additional charges pending as the investigation unfolds.
As of Sunday, it remains unclear whether the suspects have legal representation. Efforts are underway to confirm if they will be provided with public defenders.
The shooting occurred around 10 p.m. on Friday night as a dispute broke out at a car show that attracted nearly 200 attendees to the park. Emergency responders report that the victims include nine males and six females between the ages of 16 and 36, who are being treated for gunshot wounds.
Among the deceased are Andrew Madrid, 16, and Jason Gomez, 18, both of whom died at the scene, along with Dominick Estrada, 19, who succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.
Investigators are actively seeking video footage from the park and appealing for information from eyewitnesses as part of their ongoing inquiry.
In response to the tragedy, local police and fire departments, alongside community organizations, are providing support for victims and their families at the Las Cruces Convention Center. This assistance includes crisis and spiritual counseling, as well as help in connecting those affected with local resources and financial aid.
Police Chief Jeremy Story reported a significant number of shell casings found at the scene, indicating potential involvement of multiple shooters and weapons.
Fire Chief Michael Daniels stated that 11 victims were transported to local hospitals or the regional trauma center, with varying conditions. As of Saturday, seven victims were treated at the regional center, while others received care closer to home.
The ongoing police response is being supported by various agencies including state and federal law enforcement.
In light of the incident, Chief Story acknowledged that illegal car shows have been a recurring issue at Young Park and noted that the department faced understaffing on the night of the shooting, limiting available resources for crowd control.
Las Cruces, located on the northwestern edge of the Chihuahuan Desert near the Rio Grande, is approximately 40 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border.
