Third suspect arrested in Young Park shooting that killed three, injured 15
All three suspects face murder charges as investigation continues
Organ Mountain News report
LAS CRUCES - Police have arrested a third suspect in connection with Friday night’s mass shooting at Young Park that left three people dead and 15 others injured.
The third suspect, a 17-year-old boy, was taken into custody Sunday morning, according to the Las Cruces Police Department. He joins 20-year-old Tomas Rivas and another 17-year-old male who were arrested Saturday. All three are charged with three open counts of murder. Additional charges are pending.
Rivas was booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center early Sunday and is being held without bond. The two juveniles are in custody at the county’s juvenile detention facility.
The shooting was reported shortly after 10 p.m. Friday, March 21, in the parking lot of Young Park, 850 S. Walnut St. Police and fire crews responded to reports of gunfire and multiple gunshot victims.
The three people who died were identified as Andrew Madrid, 16; Jason Gomez, 18; and Dominick Estrada, 19. Police said Madrid and Gomez died at the scene. Estrada was taken to MountainView Regional Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
Fifteen others were injured. The victims range in age from 16 to 36, with nine males and six females. Their names have not been released, and police said medical conditions were not available.
LCPD is receiving support from multiple agencies, 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.
Young Park and nearby roads reopened early Sunday morning as police continued their investigation.
More updates are expected as the case develops.
Family assistance center open Sunday at Las Cruces Convention Center
The Las Cruces police and fire departments, along with community partners, are hosting a Family Assistance and Resource Center on Sunday to support those affected by Friday’s shooting.
The center will be open from 1 to 6 p.m. March 23 at the Las Cruces Convention Center, 680 E. University Ave. The event is intended to provide crisis counseling, spiritual support, connections to local resources and access to financial assistance.
Organizers encourage anyone impacted by the incident to attend and are asking news organizations to respect the privacy of families and victims seeking help.