Teens Facing Murder Charges After Deadly Shooting

A mass shooting in Las Cruces, New Mexico, has led to the arrest of four individuals, igniting concern and unrest in the community.

Quick Takes

A tragic shooting in Young Park last Friday left three dead and 15 injured.
Four arrests have been made, including three teenagers charged with murder.
A judge has declined to release the teen suspects pending further court proceedings.
The community grapples with safety concerns following the violence.
Support services and heightened security measures are being implemented.

A Night of Tragedy

A mass shooting took place at Young Park on Friday, March 21 in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where three lives were lost and 15 individuals were injured. The incident transpired around 10 p.m. local time as a crowd of approximately 200 people gathered for an impromptu car show at the park. This chaotic event reportedly unfolded when an altercation erupted.

Law enforcement officials, initially stretched thin, responded swiftly to the scene. They later discovered 50-60 handgun casings scattered across the area, indicating multiple shooters were involved. Most victims were treated at nearby hospitals, with some requiring critical care at the University Medical Center of El Paso.

Arrests made in shooting at New Mexico park that killed 3 teens, hurt 15 others

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— WSFA 12 News (@wsfa12news) March 24, 2025

The Arrests and Charges

Subsequent to the incident, authorities arrested four individuals, including a 20-year-old man named Tomas Rivas and three teenage suspects: Gustavo Dominguez, Nathan Giovani Rivas, and Josiah Ontiveros. Each has been charged with murder, and a New Mexico judge has denied the teen suspects bond, underscoring concerns about community safety and risks of retaliation.

The Doña Ana County District Attorney said the court would be proceeding with first-degree murder charges against the suspects, and possibly conspiracy charges as well. Evidence in court has suggested Gustavo Dominguez was the primary shooter, with Nathan Rivas also noted as a shooter linked to weapons trafficking.

Community and Authorities Respond

The shooting has hit the Las Cruces community hard, with Judge Grace B. Duran saying as she denied bond for the teen suspects, “I have a duty to protect this community and the community is crying for justice.” Local authorities, with aid from the FBI, ATF, New Mexico State Police, and the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office, are investigating further to ensure thoroughness and justice.

In the aftermath, support services, including crisis counseling and spiritual counseling, are being offered to help individuals and families cope with the trauma. The city statement emphasizes the importance of connecting victims with local resources and financial assistance.