Police in New Mexico’s Las Cruces have arrested four suspects in the Friday night deadly Young Park shooting that killed three and left 15 injured. The 20-year-old Tomas Rivas and the three juveniles, two boys who were 17 years old and a boy who was 15 years old, were arrested over the weekend. The four suspects will be charged with murder, and additional charges will be made as investigations continue.
The shooting occurred around 10 p.m. Friday after a brawl at an illegal car show that drew an estimated 200 to the park. There was gunfire after tempers flared among crowd members. The 15 victims aged 16 to 36 were treated at the park or hospitalized. Among them were 16-year-old Andrew Madrid and 18-year-old Jason Gomez, who both died at the scene and 19-year-old Dominick Estrada, who died shortly later at the hospital.
Officials of Las Cruces sent their condolences to the families of victims and stated that crisis counseling and assistance would be given to victims. The city is providing services via community-based organizations, city police and fire agencies, and Las Cruces Convention Center’s counseling services on Sunday and Tuesday. All those victims and their family members who are impacted by this incident are being invited by the city to show up and ask for help.
Investigations are requesting surveillance from the park and calling upon individuals who can provide information to come forward. Police found an estimated 50 to 60 shell casings of handgun shots throughout the park, indicating the use of more than one weapon and shooter.
With investigations in progress, authorities have not officially confirmed whether the suspects have any representation in court. The victims remain shaken from the attack, and justice is being pursued.
