The March 21 mass shooting at Young Park is believed to be the largest in recent New Mexico history in terms of total casualties, according to an analysis by Organ Mountain News. Eighteen people were shot — three fatally and 15 others wounded — during an unsanctioned car show that turned deadly when a dispute between two groups escalated into gunfire.
At a news conference Tuesday, officials provided the most detailed account yet of what unfolded that night and confirmed that, based on current information, all injuries were caused by gunfire or shrapnel.
“As of right now, we believe, or what appears to be, all injuries were either a result of direct gunshot wounds or potential shrapnel,” Fire Chief Michael Daniels said. “Naturally, when they get to the hospital, that’s where they’re more further evaluated. But we don’t have any that we know that are specific to fleeing as of right now.”
Police: gunfire followed dispute at car show
Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story said the shooting began after an argument between two groups who had a history of personal conflict.
“There was a car meet-up at the park prior to the shooting, while a large crowd was watching the exhibition driving,” Story said. “A dispute developed toward the southwest portion of the parking lot. The argument escalated into gunfire.”
“Multiple people began firing handguns,” he added. “Some of the intended targets were struck, along with several uninvolved bystanders that had nothing to do with the dispute.”
Police recovered 59 shell casings at the scene — “a combination of .40, .45 and 9mm,” Story said.
He emphasized the scale and trauma of the incident:
“This one, more than probably any presentation I’ve done — the information, the images, the audio, the videos — they’re going to be disturbing. This stuff hits all of us hard.”
3 killed, 15 others injured
The three people killed were:
- Andrew Madrid, 16
- Jason Gomez, 17
- Dominic Castrata, 19
“Two were pronounced on scene. One was transported and later pronounced at a hospital,” Story said.
The 15 surviving victims ranged in age from 16 to 36. All were injured by gunfire or shrapnel, officials said.
‘To his credit…’
During the news conference, Story showed surveillance and cell phone video footage from the scene. One video, which has circulated widely online, showed a bystander filming a blue Mustang doing donuts just before the shooting began.
In the recording, gunfire erupts in the background. The person filming is heard saying, “Oh my God … I just witnessed a murder.”
“To his credit,” Story said, “that bystander put his phone in his pocket and began administering aid.”
Four suspects arrested
Four individuals have been charged with three counts of murder each:
- Tomas Rivas, 20
- Two 17-year-old males
- One 15-year-old male
“All four of them were located within 38 hours,” Story said. “The first two were within 24 hours.”
The suspects are friends or relatives and all have prior criminal records.
“There’s a history for all four of them,” Story said. “Three of them especially… have had multiple incidents together.”
Rivas has been arrested for shoplifting, possession of a controlled substance, domestic battery and aggravated assault.
“He was charged by Texas DPS with smuggling. That case is pending,” Story said. “He actually had a court appearance the day of the shooting in El Paso.”
The juvenile suspects have been involved in aggravated burglaries, robberies, assaults and other violent offenses, he added.
“Most of the time, those kids have a history of violence — like in this case.”
Guns recovered, most confirmed stolen
Story said investigators recovered five firearms: four handguns believed to have been used in the shooting and a shotgun. Three of the handguns were confirmed stolen.
“Those will be tested and compared to the casings to confirm that,” he said.
Police also recovered ammunition, extended magazines and clothing at a residence tied to the suspects. Some items were found in a trash bin.
“Our agents actually observed two of the suspects go to this house with some bulky items, put them, stash them on that property,” Story said.
He added that “at least one of them was attempting to sell firearms through social media just prior to this event.”
Largest mass shooting by total casualties in recent NM history
Organ Mountain News reviewed state and federal data and found no prior incident in recent New Mexico history in which more people were shot in a single event. While some shootings had higher death tolls, no other known event has matched the 18 people shot at Young Park.
Las Cruces officials did not make that claim during Tuesday’s news conference.
Parks remain open, youth programs expanding
City Manager Ikani Taumoepeau said there are no plans to close Young Park or reduce access.
“This is the time where our community and our youth need the park,” he said. “So we’re not changing any hours at this time.”
The city is exploring expanded youth programming and diversion efforts, including possibly repurposing space at the city-owned Amador Live venue.
“We won’t find solutions as adults if we don’t include the demographic that’s important — the youth in this,” Taumoepeau said.
More charges possible, no credible threat of retaliation
“There is a potential for additional people to be charged with crimes related to this event,” Story said. “Either through state courts or federal charges.”
Story also addressed a question about retaliation.
“At this point, we don’t have any credible threat to retaliation. What I would say is, if anybody does have fears or information that there could be retaliation, we ask that you provide that to us immediately.”
Authorities encouraged anyone with video, photos or information to come forward.
“There’s a lot of information that’s going around social media that is contrary to evidence or could be useful for us to have,” Story said. “However, those people have not reached out to us, and we ask that they do so.”
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