LAS CRUCES – A Doña Ana County jury has convicted the fourth and final defendant charged in the March 21, 2025 mass shooting at Young Park, bringing to a close all four criminal trials stemming from one of the deadliest shootings in Las Cruces history.
After less than two hours of deliberation Tuesday, jurors found Gustavo Dominguez guilty of three counts of first-degree murder for his role in the shooting that claimed the lives of 16-year-old Andrew Madrid, 17-year-old Jason Gomez and 18-year-old Dominick Estrada during an unsanctioned car show at Young Park.
More than a dozen other people were also wounded during the exchange of gunfire.
Dominguez, who was 17 years old at the time of the shooting, was prosecuted as an adult in Third Judicial District Court. Prosecutors argued that he showed a complete disregard for human life by firing repeatedly into a crowd after any immediate threat had ended.
During the week-long trial, jurors viewed cellphone video and heard testimony from investigators who said Dominguez fired at least eight shots during the incident. Investigators also presented shell casing evidence they said linked Dominguez to a handgun used during the shooting, although the weapon itself was never recovered.
The prosecution relied on cellphone video, witness testimony and forensic evidence to argue that Dominguez willingly participated in the deadly gunfire that erupted during the crowded gathering.
Defense attorney Herman Ortiz argued that Dominguez acted in self-defense after becoming involved in a confrontation with Ruben Morales, the uncle of one of the victims. The defense also maintained prosecutors failed to prove Dominguez fired the fatal shots that killed the three teenagers.
Under New Mexico law, however, a conviction for first-degree murder does not require prosecutors to prove which specific defendant fired the fatal bullet when multiple people participate in conduct demonstrating a depraved mind and a total disregard for human life.
Following the verdict, District Attorney Fernando Macias thanked law enforcement officers, emergency responders, witnesses and jurors who participated throughout the lengthy investigation and series of trials. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek sentences totaling 90 years for each of the four convicted defendants.
Dominguez’s attorney said an appeal is expected.
The verdict marks the conclusion of all four criminal trials arising from the Young Park shooting.
Earlier this year, juries also convicted Tomas Rivas, Nathan Rivas and Josiah Ontiveros of three counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the shooting. Together, the four convictions represent the final chapter in the criminal prosecution of the March 2025 tragedy that shocked southern New Mexico and claimed the lives of three teenagers while leaving more than a dozen others injured.
by: John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications, LLC – john@bravomic.com
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