In Las Cruces, New Mexico, authorities have apprehended a 20-year-old man along with three teens in relation to a fatal shooting that occurred at a local park on Friday night. This tragic event led to the deaths of three individuals and injuries to 15 others. On Saturday, Tomas Rivas and a 17-year-old male were detained, followed by the arrest of another 17-year-old and a 15-year-old male on Sunday. The suspects could face murder and other pending charges, as per a statement released by the city of Las Cruces.
As of Sunday, it was unclear if the accused had legal representation. A request for information was sent to the public defender’s office in Doña Ana County to ascertain whether they are representing the defendants.
The gunfire ensued around 10 p.m. on Friday at Young Park, following a confrontation during an unauthorized car show that drew nearly 200 people. Victims of the shooting included nine males and six females, aged 16 to 36, who were treated at the scene or transported to local hospitals.
According to the city’s statement, the fatalities included 16-year-old Andrew Madrid, 18-year-old Jason Gomez, both of whom died on-site, and 19-year-old Dominick Estrada, who succumbed at a hospital later.
In the ongoing investigation, authorities are seeking video evidence from the park and urging witnesses to share tips. Support services for the victims and their families are being coordinated by local police, fire departments, and community organizations at the Las Cruces Convention Center from Sunday through Tuesday. Orchestrated support will include crisis and spiritual counseling, as well as connecting victims with local resources and financial aid, encouraging affected individuals to participate.
Police Chief Jeremy Story revealed that 50 to 60 handgun casings were discovered scattered across the park, indicating multiple shooters and weapons involved. Fire Chief Michael Daniels mentioned that 11 individuals were transported to various hospitals, including the University Medical Center of El Paso. As of Saturday, seven victims were hospitalized in El Paso, with four discharged, and the conditions of the remaining four were unknown.
The local police department is receiving assistance from New Mexico State Police, the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Story acknowledged that past illegal car shows at Young Park have witnessed a heavier police presence, but due to understaffing on Friday, he stated, “No units were available for most of the night.”
U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez, representing the district where the incident occurred, expressed hopes for local authorities to collaborate in supporting the car community and enhancing public safety measures at the park. Highlighting the chaos and danger witnessed, with the threat not only from firearms but also from vehicles speeding through the area, Vasquez spoke at a news conference on Sunday about the need for greater security.
Las Cruces is positioned along the Rio Grande and the Chihuahuan Desert in southern New Mexico, approximately 40 miles away from the U.S.-Mexico border.