Las Cruces Mass Shooting: 3 killed, 15 injured, 2 suspects arrested
Update: ABC-7 has obtained the arrest photo of 20-year-old Tomas Rivas.
Dona Ana County records show Rivas was arrested in Las Cruces at 2:50 a.m. Sunday and booked into the Dona Ana County jail at 3:21 a.m.
Police did not identify the 17-year-old who was arrested.
Typically, the arrest photos of minors are not released.
Update (2:11 AM Sunday): One adult and one juvenile have been arrested for their involvement in the mass shooting that took place late Friday at Young Park, according to Las Cruces Police Department.
Police arrested 20-year-old Tomas Rivas and a 17-year-old boy. Both are charged with three open counts of murder, and additional charges are pending, according to an LCPD Spokesperson.
20-year-old Rivas will be booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he will be held for now without bond. The 17-year-old will be held in the juvenile detention facility.
LCPD says the investigation continues.
Police say the victims who died in Friday's shooting have been identified as 16-year-old Andrew Madrid, 18-year-old Jason Gomez and 19-year-old Dominick Estrada.
Both Madrid and Gomez died on scene. Estrada died after being sent to MountainView Regional Medical Center.
15 other victims, between the ages of 16 and 36 were injured in the shooting. LCPD says nine are male and six are female. Their names will not be released at this time to help protect their privacy, police said.
Some of the injured victims were transported to local hospitals. Seven were taken to hospitals in El Paso. LCPD has not released the current medical conditions of those who were hospitalized.
LCPD says the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico has organized a fundraiser help victims and their families.
Learn more about the Las Cruces Crisis Action Fund here: https://bit.ly/4bXVpIq
Update (10:34 PM): Watch Good Morning El Paso Weekend tomorrow for more updates.
Update (9:42 PM): An ABC-7 crew saw a crime scene unit arrive at Young Park minutes ago.
Update (9:40): "To see these tragedies... it's absolutely heartbreaking," State Rep. Rebecca Dow said in an interview. Many local community leaders have been speaking out in the aftermath of the shooting.
Update (9:06 PM): Police are still asking for tips to be sent in.
Investigators are asking for video of any part of Friday’s shooting to be uploaded to a secure site: https://bit.ly/4iO5s4U.
Anyone with additional information is asked to call police at (575) 526-0795.
Update (9:02 AM): Police say that bystanders had started helping the wounded before emergency crews arrived.
Update (7:46 PM): Rep. Gabe Vasquez will hold a news conference in Las Cruces tomorrow at 4:30 PM.
Update (7:40 PM): In their news conference today, LCPD officials said no one has been arrested in connection with the shooting yet.
Update (6:38 PM): Las Cruces police say they are not releasing the victims' names at the moment. Three males, ages 16, 18, and 19, died.
Update (6:00 PM): ABC-7 will provide complete team coverage of the shooting in our evening newscasts. Watch for live reporting and interviews with local leaders.
Update (5:14 PM): Mayor Eric Enriquez tells ABC-7 that the City has done a lot to prepare for issues like this. The City has allocated funds to create several safety programs, including new park rangers for city parks.
Update (5:08 PM): The Dona Ana County Crisis Triage Center is offering support to those in the community impacted by the mass shooting.
Update (5:06 PM): Congresswoman Veronica Escobar released the following statement:
"Another horrific shooting and yet another community reeling from the devastation of gun violence. Las Cruces isn’t just our neighbor—we are one deeply connected community. My heart is with the victims, families, and all New Mexicans; El Paso will always stand with you.
Update (5:02 PM): Right now evidence markers are still scattered throughout the park. Police found 50 to 60 bullet casings at the park.
Two people were pronounced dead at the scene. Three people in total died.
Update (3:30 PM): New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham commented on the mass shooting during the end of the state's legislative session.
"As we conclude this legislative session, my heart goes out to the victims of the Las Cruces shooting, their families, and the entire community. This senseless act of violence tears at the fabric of our state and must strengthen our resolve to protect all New Mexicans. I am committed to working across all levels of government and with community partners to implement comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of gun violence."
-Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
Update (3:18 PM): ABC-7 will provide complete team coverage of of the mass shooting in our evening newscasts. We will bring you interviews with local leaders about the incident.
Update (2:48 PM): During their news conference this morning, police said an altercation between two groups of people escalated to a gun fight. Several other people were also injured. The two groups had "ill will" between them before that night, and it escalated last night. Chief Story says that there were approximately 200 people at the park last night. Police are now seeking witnesses.
Update (2:12 PM): In the news conference, Chief Story stated that LCPD has previously worked with the Parks and Recreation to put up fences to control late night activity at the park.
"That area has been troubled with crime," in recent years, Chief Story said. Chief Story stated that the issue of unsanctioned car shows has ebbed and flowed over time.
Update (1:48 PM): (ABC News) - At a press conference Saturday morning, Las Cruces officials said an unsanctioned car show was being held at the park prior to the shooting. There was an altercation between two groups of people that led to an exchange of gunfire.
Update (1:20 PM): During a news conference this morning, police explained that the shooting happened after an altercation between two groups of people. That escalated to a gun fight between the two groups. Several other people were also injured. The two groups had "ill will" between them before that night, and it escalated last night. Chief Story says that there were approximately 200 people at the park last night.
Update (12:56 PM): Police are asking for people who witnessed the shooting to come forward.
Investigators are asking for video of any part of Friday’s shooting to be uploaded to a secure site: https://bit.ly/4iO5s4U.
Anyone with additional information is asked to call police at (575) 526-0795.
Update (12:16 PM): Doña Ana County is offering support to those impacted by last night's shooting. The county released the following statement explaining the help it is providing:
"Doña Ana County joins the community in mourning the tragic loss of lives following a shooting that took place last night at Young Park in Las Cruces.
“This is a heartbreaking and deeply painful moment for our community,” County Manager Scott Andrews expressed. “We are devastated by the loss of young lives and the trauma experienced by so many. The County is in close contact with the City of Las Cruces, and together, we will do everything we can to support our residents in the days and weeks ahead. Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of those lost, those injured, and everyone affected by this unthinkable tragedy.”
During this difficult time, we want to remind our community that support is available. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime, 24/7, for free and confidential emotional support.
Doña Ana County Crisis Triage Center: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The center offers walk-in mental health services for individuals experiencing a crisis.
There are also other community organizations offering vital services to help our community heal. We support the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, which is accepting donations to support the victims and their families. Donations can be made by visiting www.communityfoundationofsouthernnewmexico.org or by calling (575) 521-4794.
We are a caring community that becomes stronger when we come together to support one another. Doña Ana County is committed to working with community partners to promote safety and support through this tragedy."
Update (12:06 PM): In a news conference this morning, Chief Story said the next step is to find and hold accountable the individuals responsible for the shooting.
(ABC News) - Three people were killed and 15 were injured in a shooting at a park in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on Friday night, according to police.
The deceased are two 19-year-old men and one 16-year-old boy. The injured range in age from 16 years to 36 years, according to a police statement to ABC News on Saturday.
Police were dispatched to the shooting shortly after 10 p.m. Friday at Young Park, the Las Cruces Police Department said.
"Officers arrived and learned of multiple gunshot victims. Most were transported to local hospitals. Some were taken to University Medical Center of El Paso," police said.
The names of the dead and injured will not be released at this time, the police department said.
Police said they have not made any arrests, but are actively following leads.
"Las Cruces police is receiving assistance on this investigation from the FBI, ATF, New Mexico State Police and the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office," authorities said.
Young Park and all roadways leading to the park are temporarily closed while investigators conduct their work.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Update (11:40 AM): The City of Las Cruces posted the following statement on its Facebook page this morning:
"Police are continuing to investigate Friday night’s shooting at Young Park that killed three and injured 14 others.
The shooting occurred about 10 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2025, at Young Park, 850 S. Walnut St., in Las Cruces, N.M.
The deceased are two 19-year-old men and one 16-year-old boy. Names of the deceased and those who were injured will not be released at this time.
The injured range in age from 16 years to 36 years.
At this time, police have not made any arrests for this incident but are actively following multiple leads.
Investigators are asking for video of any part of Friday’s shooting to be uploaded to a secure site: https://bit.ly/4iO5s4U
Anyone with additional information is asked to call police at (575) 526-0795.
Las Cruces police is receiving assistance on this investigation from the FBI, ATF, New Mexico State Police and the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office.
Police will hold a news conference at 11 a.m. in Council Chambers at Las Cruces City Hall, 700 N. Main St. The news conference is for working news media only. The news conference will be livestreamed on the City of Las Cruces YouTube channel.
Young Park and all roadways leading to the park are temporarily closed while investigators conduct their work."
Update (11:32 AM): LCPD and the City of Las Cruces are partnering with the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico. They are holding a fundraiser for those impacted. Find information here.
Watch the LCPD's news conference here:
Update (11:12 AM): During the news conference, LCPD Chief Jeremy Story stated that there was an unsanctioned car show at the park last night.
The shooting was first reported at 10:10 PM, Chief Story said. 15 people were injured and three died.
An altercation between two groups of people escalated to a gun fight. Several other people were also injured. The two groups had "ill will" between them before that night, and it escalated last night. Chief Story says that there were approximately 200 people at the park last night.
"This is a huge crime scene with a lot of moving parts," Chief Jeremy Story said during the news conference.
Police are asking for people who witnessed the shooting to come forward.
Handgun caliber casings were found throughout the park and the park's parking lot.
LCFD officials say seven patients were treated on scene. One was flown to El Paso for treatment. Seven were sent to El Paso at a later time. Four were treated and have already been released.
In the news conference, Chief Story said the next step is to find and hold accountable the individuals responsible for the shooting.
LCPD and the City of Las Cruces are partnering with the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico. They are holding a fundraiser for those impacted. Find information here.
In the news conference, Chief Story stated that LCPD has previously worked with the Parks and Recreation to put up fences to control late night activity at the park.
"That area has been troubled with crime," in recent years, Chief Story said. Chief Story stated that the issue of unsanctioned car shows has ebbed and flowed over time.
"There were firearms throughout this entire event," Chief Story stated. He clarified that some guns were used in the shooting, while others were present at the unsanctioned car show, but were not used in this shooting.
"In a perfect world where I had 220 police officers like I'm supposed to it probably would have been different last night," Chief Story stated during the news conference." But I had no units available for most of the night prior to the shooting, and so logistically I got what I got... I wish it would have been different, but it wasn't for a lack of trying or because we didn't want to respond."
A City spokesperson says another news conference will happen at an unspecified later date.
Update (10:54 AM): New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham released the following statement on the shooting:
"I am heartbroken and horrified by the mass shooting Friday night at Young Park in Las Cruces. Three people are dead and at least 15 others were wounded in this senseless act of violence. My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and the entire Las Cruces community during this unimaginably difficult time.
The indiscriminate nature of this shooting is both shocking and unacceptable, but sadly not surprising. This violence tears at the fabric of our communities and leaves wounds that may never heal.
I am mobilizing state resources to support local law enforcement in their investigation. If you have any information, particularly video or images that could help identify those responsible, please come forward and contact the Las Cruces Police Department immediately.
The disturbing rise in violent crime in Las Cruces—which has increased by 46 percent compared to last year—demands immediate and sustained attention. This is not merely a statistic; these are our neighbors, our children, our future.
The devastating loss of Officer Jonah Hernandez in Las Cruces last year, and now this mass shooting, underscore the legislature’s years-long failure to address the crime crisis shattering lives and communities in our state. New Mexicans are heartbroken, and they should also be outraged that their legislature will adjourn today without having a passed a single bill to address juvenile crime or ban assault weapons. Their inaction is appalling and unacceptable.
The public should demand that the New Mexico Legislature—and all public officials in our state—acknowledge New Mexico’s crime crisis and prompt them to act immediately to protect our communities. The legislature should expect a special session to address our ongoing public safety crisis.
I remain committed to working across all levels of government and with community partners to implement comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of gun violence while providing our law enforcement with the resources they need to protect New Mexicans."
-Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
Update (10:44 AM): New Mexico's Senator Ben Ray Luján released the following statement regarding the shooting:
"My prayers are with the Las Cruces community in the aftermath of last night’s shooting. I’m thankful for the law enforcement and first responders for their swift action. My office will be following this investigation closely."
Update (10:20 AM): Las Cruces Police are expected to hold a news conference in Council Chambers at 11 AM today. ABC-7 will livestream the news conference when it happens.
Check here for more updates as new information is released.
Update (10:14 AM): Las Cruces Police say that emergency personnel were first dispatched to the park's parking lot
Anyone with information is asked to call police at (575) 526-0795.
Walnut Street south of Lohman Avenue is temporarily closed to traffic, among other surrounding areas. Police ask everyone to refrain from traveling in or entering those areas.
Update (10:08 AM): New Mexico's Senator Martin Heinrich released the following statement on X regarding the shooting.
"My thoughts are with those injured and the families of those lost at last night’s mass shooting in Las Cruces. And my gratitude is with the first responders, health care workers, and law enforcement who worked to save lives. I will push to ensure local law enforcement have the federal support they need to bring those who committed this heinous act to justice."
-Senator Martin Heinrich
Update (10:01 AM): "Officers arrived and learned of multiple gunshot victims. Most were transported to local hospitals. Some were taken to University Medical Center of El Paso," police said.
The department says that it is not going to release the names of the victims at this time.
ABC News is reporting that police have not made any arrests, but are following active leads at the moment.
"Las Cruces police is receiving assistance on this investigation from the FBI, ATF, New Mexico State Police and the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office," authorities said.
Young Park and surround roads are still closed as police investigate.
UPDATE: Las Cruces police announced that 3 people were killed and 14 injured in the shooting.
Two 19-year-old men and one 16-year-old boy died, according to a police spokesperson.
The people injured were between 16 and 36 years old.
Police have not arrested any suspects but are following "multiple leads."
Las Cruces PD will hold a news conference at 11 a.m.
UPDATE: Las Cruces police are asking anyone with video of the events that took place at Young Park, "particularly video that shows the shooting or subjects with firearms," to share their video with LCPD to help investigators gather more information about the incident.
You can upload video to this website:
https://lascrucespdnm.evidence.com/.../public/25-030254.
UPDATE: LCPD confirmed the shooting happened just after 10 p.m. Friday.
Officers found "multiple" gunshot victims when they arrived on scene who were transported to nearby hospitals.
Some of the victims were taken to University Medical Center in El Paso.
Police were not able to confirm how many total people were shot, or how serious their injuries were.
Officers are still working to identify the suspect(s) in the shooting.
Anyone who has information is asked to call police at (575) 526-0795.
New Mexico State Police, the Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office, the FBI and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting with the investigation.
The area surrounding Young Park, including Walnut Street south of Lohman Avenue, is temporarily closed to traffic.
LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- At least four people were wounded in a shooting at Young Park in Las Cruces late Friday, according to the Las Cruces Police Department.
ABC-7 has a crew heading to the scene.
Details are limited at this time, but we'll provide updates as more information becomes available.
