Authorities have apprehended four individuals suspected of being involved in a fatal mass shooting at Young Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico, which occurred on the night of March 21, 2025. The incident resulted in the deaths of three teenagers and injured 15 others.
Initially, law enforcement detained Tomas Rivas, 20, and a 17-year-old male on Saturday evening, charging them with three counts of open murder. By Sunday, two more suspects, another 17-year-old male and a 15-year-old male, were also arrested and faced the same charges. Additional charges are being considered for all four suspects.
Rivas is currently held at the Doña Ana County Detention Center without bond. The three juveniles are detained in the juvenile section of the facility.
The deceased victims from the shooting have been identified as Andrew Madrid, 16; Jason Gomez, 18; and Dominick Estrada, 19. Madrid and Gomez were pronounced dead at the scene, while Estrada was taken to MountainView Regional Medical Center in Las Cruces, where he later died from his injuries.
The other 15 victims, aged between 16 and 36, sustained various injuries. Of these, nine are male and six are female, according to police reports. Their identities have not been disclosed.
The shooting began shortly after 10 p.m. on Friday at Young Park, located at 850 S. Walnut St. in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Emergency services responded to multiple reports of gunfire and potential gunshot victims in the park’s parking area.
Officials report the shooting happened during a confrontation between two groups at an “unsanctioned car show” attracting around 200 attendees. Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story mentioned at a press briefing that numerous firearms were involved, with 50-60 shell casings, all from handguns, found at the site.
Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez addressed the public on Saturday, expressing his condolences over the incident.
The Las Cruces Police Department is collaborating with several agencies in the investigation, including the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Mexico State Police, the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Las Cruces City Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem Johana Bencomo noted that this incident is the 53rd mass shooting of 2025, as per the Gun Violence Archive. The event has significantly impacted the Las Cruces community, especially those connected to the victims.
Andrew Madrid, one of the victims, was remembered by his community as a committed student and avid baseball player. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist his family during this period.
The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico has also organized a fundraiser to support all victims and their families. The city of Las Cruces is offering support services, including crisis counseling and financial aid, for those affected.
Las Cruces, situated near the Chihuahuan Desert along the Rio Grande River in southern New Mexico, about 41 miles north of the U.S.-Mexican border, has experienced a rise in crime in recent years. Young Park has faced challenges with crime despite police efforts to curb such activities, including closing the park at 11 p.m.
The Doña Ana County District Attorney’s office is proceeding with the case. Nicolas Raidd, a teammate of victim A.J. Madrid, mentioned that the community is concentrating on healing. He said he forgives the shooters, noting that Madrid would have done the same.