4 arrested in shooting at New Mexico park that killed 3, injured at least 15

Las Cruces, New Mexico – Police have apprehended four suspects in connection with the tragic mass shooting that took place at a park in Las Cruces on Friday. The incident resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left at least 15 others injured. The suspects, identified as 20-year-old Tomas Rivas, two 17-year-old boys, and a 15-year-old, have been charged with three counts of open murder by the Las Cruces Police Department.

The term “open murder” allows prosecutors to pursue charges ranging from manslaughter to first or second-degree murder, with the specific level of culpability to be determined later. Additional charges are also pending against the suspects. Doña Ana County District Attorney Fernando Macias has expressed his intention to charge all suspects as adults in this case. A separate hearing was scheduled to decide on the custody status of the younger suspects.

The deceased victims were identified as Andrew Madrid, 16; Jason Gomez, 13; and Dominick Estrada, 19. Madrid and Gomez succumbed to their injuries at the scene, while Estrada passed away at the hospital. The injured individuals, comprising nine men and six women aged between 16 and 36, were not publicly named by the police.

The shooting, which took place around 10 p.m. at Young Park, a popular music and recreation venue in Las Cruces, involved multiple firearms. Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story revealed that 50-60 bullet casings were found at the scene. Approximately 200 people were present at the park during the incident, with several individuals caught in the crossfire.

Following the shooting, gunshot victims were rushed to various local hospitals and the University Medical Center of El Paso, the regional trauma center. Las Cruces Fire Chief Michael Daniels reported that six patients were transported to Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, with seven others transferred to El Paso. As of Saturday, four patients had been treated and released.

Las Cruces City Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem Johana Bencomo took to Instagram to reflect on the tragedy, acknowledging the grim reality of such events in today’s world. The city of Las Cruces, located on the border of the Chihuahuan Desert along the Rio Grande River in southern New Mexico, is now grappling with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence.

Law enforcement agencies, including the New Mexico State Police, Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, and ATF, are collaborating to investigate the shooting incident at Young Park. The community of Las Cruces mourns the loss of life and stands united in seeking justice for the victims and their families.