Survivors, Filmmaker Discuss Bowling Alley ‘Nightmare’ In Las Cruces

By ABC-7 Reporter Daniel Marin

Las Cruces, New Mexico- Twenty years later, Ida Holguin still remembers the emotions as she survived one of the most horrific massacres in the Borderland.

“I was confused, I was numb,” Holguin said.

The Las Cruces mother and grandmother took three bullets to the head during a robbery at the ‘Las Cruces Bowl’ on February 10, 1990 – now dubbed the “Bowling Alley Massacre.”

One of seven people shot that morning and one of three to survive, Holguin was part of a panel answering questions about the murders at the Mesilla Valley Barnes & Noble Monday night. Alongside her, Audrey Teran who lost her husband Steven and daughters Paula, 7, and Valerie, 2, and Gloria Woods. Her daughter Amy Houser was also murdered that day.

They were joined by New York Filmmaker Charlie Minn. Minn’s documentary on the massacre, “A Nightmare In Las Cruces,” is scheduled to premiere next week.

“I knew the Lord would send us somebody and I really do think Charlie is a blessing,” said Teran.

The film utilizes graphic re-enactments of the murders; something Teran said was a necessity. “Maybe if (someone with information on the killings) saw what really happened to them…they will come forward and say something,” she said.

When asked what she would say to her daughter’s killers, Gloria woods said, “They could tear you apart limb from limb and you’d still never pay the price we’ve paid.”

Family members have organized a candlelight vigil for the victims on February 10th at the bowling alley on East Amador. The time is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m.