The Tragic Mass Shooting at Young Park: Four Arrested

Memorial flowers and candles at Young Park

News Summary

A tragic mass shooting at Young Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico, during an unauthorized car show, left three young lives lost and 15 others injured. Law enforcement swiftly arrested four suspects, including a 15-year-old. The community grapples with grief as officials call for improved safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

The Tragic Mass Shooting at Young Park: Four Arrested

A **tragic mass shooting** unfolded on the night of March 22, 2025, at Young Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico, during an **unauthorized car show**, drawing around **200 attendees**. This unfortunate incident has left the community grappling with grief and shock, as three young lives were lost and many others injured in a moment of chaos.

The Incident

As the clock struck 10 p.m., gunfire erupted following an **altercation between two groups** at the event. Sadly, three individuals were killed due to the shooting: **16-year-old Andrew Madrid**, **18-year-old Jason Gomez**, and **19-year-old Dominick Estrada**. The violence didn’t stop with the fatalities; **15 others** were wounded, comprising **nine males and six females** aged between **16 and 36**. Some of the injuries sustained by the individuals are serious, raising concerns about their recovery.

Arrests Made

Law enforcement has acted swiftly, making multiple arrests in connection to this heartbreaking event. On March 22, **Tomas Rivas, 20**, along with two **17-year-old males**, were taken into custody. The following day, on March 23, a **15-year-old male** was also arrested, bringing the total number of suspects to four. Each of these individuals is facing **three open counts of murder**, while additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.

Currently, Tomas Rivas is being held **without bond** at the Doña Ana County Detention Center, while the juvenile suspects are in a **detention facility** designed for younger offenders. The police chief of Las Cruces reported that **40 to 60 bullet casings** were recovered at the shooting scene, indicating that multiple shooters were involved.

Community Impact and Response

The incident has had a **profound impact** on the local community, with many residents expressing their shock and sadness over the tragic loss of young lives. In light of these events, local officials have begun looking into the factors that led to the lack of security at the event. It’s been noted that **illegal car shows** are common in the area, and **inadequate police staffing** may have contributed to the challenges in managing the crowd safely.

To support victims and their families, **crisis counseling** and **spiritual support** services will be made available at the **Las Cruces Convention Center** from March 23 to 25. The community is coming together in this difficult time to ensure that people have the resources they need to begin the healing process.

Official Statements and Future Plans

In the wake of the shooting, **New Mexico’s Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham** has expressed her condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. Moreover, she plans to address the rising crime rates during a **special legislative session** that will focus on improving public safety measures within the community. It’s clear that the community is calling for **immediate actions** to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

Additionally, **U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez** highlighted the urgent need to enhance public safety protocols to protect families and individuals who come together for community events. It’s a clear signal that everyone in the community is demanding change and accountability.

The Road Ahead

As the investigation unfolds, Young Park remains closed, with the local police actively seeking **video footage** and testimonies from witnesses to piece together the details of what transpired that night. The hope is that by coming together, sharing information, and supporting one another, the community can find a way forward out of this darkness.