Four individuals have been apprehended following a fatal mass shooting that took place at Young Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on the night of Friday, March 21, 2025. The incident resulted in the deaths of three teenagers and left 15 others injured.
Initially, police detained Tomas Rivas, 20, along with a 17-year-old male on Saturday evening, charging both with three open counts of murder. By Sunday, two more suspects, another 17-year-old male and a 15-year-old male, were also taken into custody, facing similar charges. Additional charges are anticipated for all four suspects.
Rivas is currently held without bond at the Doña Ana County Detention Center. The three juveniles are being detained in the juvenile section of the facility.
The deceased victims have been identified as Andrew Madrid, 16; Jason Gomez, 18; and Dominick Estrada, 19. Madrid and Gomez died at the scene, while Estrada was taken to MountainView Regional Medical Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he later died from his injuries.
The other 15 victims, aged between 16 and 36, sustained various injuries. According to police, nine of the victims are male, and six are female. Their identities remain undisclosed.
The shooting began shortly after 10 p.m. Friday at Young Park, located at 850 S. Walnut St. in Las Cruces. Police and fire services responded to multiple reports of gunfire and potential gunshot victims in the park’s parking area.
Authorities report that the shooting started during a conflict between two groups at an “unsanctioned car show” with around 200 attendees. Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story stated at a news conference that several firearms were involved, with 50-60 bullet casings found at the scene, all from handguns.
Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez addressed the community at a news conference on Saturday, expressing condolences over the tragic event.
Multiple agencies, 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, are assisting the Las Cruces Police Department in the investigation.
According to Las Cruces City Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem Johana Bencomo, this incident is the 53rd mass shooting of 2025, based on data from the Gun Violence Archive. The event has had a significant impact on the Las Cruces community, particularly those acquainted with the victims.
Andrew Madrid, 16, was remembered by his community as a committed student and avid baseball player. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support his family during this challenging period.
The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico has also initiated a fundraiser to assist all the victims and their families. The city of Las Cruces is offering support services, including crisis counseling and financial aid, for those affected by the incident.
Las Cruces, located near the Chihuahuan Desert along the Rio Grande River in southern New Mexico, about 41 miles north of the U.S.-Mexican border, has recently experienced a rise in crime. Despite police efforts to curb criminal activity, including measures like closing the park at 11 p.m., Young Park has been troubled with crime.
The Doña Ana County District Attorney’s office is proceeding with the case. As per a witness, Nicolas Raidd, a teammate of victim A.J. Madrid, the community is focusing on healing. He commented, “I forgive the shooters, and I know A.J. would have done the same.”
