Two arrested in Young Park shooting that left three dead, 15 injured

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - Police have arrested two suspects in connection with a mass shooting Friday night at Young Park that left three people dead and 15 others injured.

Tomas Rivas, 20, and a 17-year-old boy were taken into custody Saturday evening, according to the Las Cruces Police Department. Both are charged with three open counts of murder. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.

Rivas is being held without bond at the Doña Ana County Detention Center. The juvenile was booked into a juvenile detention facility.

The three people who died in the shooting have been identified as Andrew Madrid, 16; Jason Gomez, 18; and Dominick Estrada, 19. Police said Madrid and Gomez were pronounced dead at the scene. Estrada was transported to MountainView Regional Medical Center, where he later died.

The remaining 15 victims — nine male and six female — range in age from 16 to 36. Police have not released their names, citing privacy concerns. Seven of the victims were transported to hospitals in El Paso, Texas. The conditions of the surviving victims were not available Sunday.

The shooting was reported shortly after 10 p.m. Friday, March 21, in the parking lot of Young Park, located at 850 S. Walnut St. Las Cruces police and fire crews responded to reports of gunfire and multiple gunshot victims.

As of Saturday evening, Young Park remained closed as police continued collecting evidence. Nearby roads were also closed to through traffic.

LCPD said it is working with several law enforcement partners, including the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New Mexico State Police, the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico has launched a fundraiser to support victims and their families. More information is available through the Las Cruces Crisis Action Fund.