Las Cruces, NM – In a significant development in the investigation of the deadly mass shooting at Young Park on the night of Friday, March 21, 2025, Las Cruces police have arrested a fourth suspect—a 15-year-old male—bringing the total number of individuals in custody to four. The teenager, whose identity has not been released due to his age, was taken into custody at approximately 12:20 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, and now faces three open counts of murder, mirroring the charges against his alleged accomplices: Tomas Rivas-Hidalgo, 20; Adrian Rivas-Hidalgo, 17; and Gustavo Dominguez, 17. The tragic incident claimed the lives of Andrew Madrid, 16; Jason Gomez, 18; and Dominick Estrada, 19, while leaving 15 others injured in what has become one of the most devastating acts of violence in recent Las Cruces history.
The Shooting: A Minute-by-Minute Account of the Tragedy
The massacre unfolded shortly after 10:00 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025, in the parking lot of Young Park, located at 850 S. Walnut St. Witnesses described a chaotic scene where rapid gunfire erupted without warning, sending panicked attendees scrambling for cover. Initial 911 calls reported multiple gunshot victims, prompting a massive response from Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD) officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel.
The Immediate Aftermath
- Andrew Madrid and Jason Gomez were pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.
- Dominick Estrada, critically wounded, was rushed to MountainView Regional Medical Center but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
- Fifteen additional victims, ranging in age from 16 to 36, sustained gunshot wounds. Nine were male, and six were female.
- Seven of the injured were transported to hospitals in El Paso, Texas, due to the severity of their injuries. As of now, their medical conditions remain undisclosed.
The Investigation: How Law Enforcement Uncovered the Suspects
Initial Arrests and Charges
Within 24 hours of the shooting, police had already detained three suspects:
- Tomas Rivas-Hidalgo, 20 – Booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center, held without bond.
- Adrian Rivas-Hidalgo, 17 – Remanded to a juvenile detention facility.
- Gustavo Dominguez, 17 – Also held in juvenile detention.
The fourth suspect, the 15-year-old male, was apprehended on Sunday, March 23, further deepening the case’s complexity. All four now face three open counts of murder, with additional charges likely as forensic evidence is processed.
Ballistics and Firearm Analysis
A critical piece of misinformation circulated on social media involved an image of a teenager holding what appeared to be an AR-style rifle. However, LCPD Chief Jeremy Story clarified during a Saturday press conference that:
- No AR-style rifle was used in the shooting.
- Approximately 50 to 60 shell casings recovered at the scene were exclusively from handguns.
- The individual in the viral photo was interviewed and cleared of any involvement.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
Given the magnitude of the crime, the investigation has drawn resources from:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- New Mexico State Police
- Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office
- U.S. Attorney’s Office
Authorities are pursuing multiple leads, including possible gang affiliations, prior altercations, and digital evidence from social media.
The Victims: Lives Cut Short
Andrew Madrid, 16
A sophomore at Las Cruces High School, Madrid was described by friends as a talented artist with a passion for basketball. His family released a statement expressing “immeasurable grief” and calling for justice.
Jason Gomez, 18
A recent graduate preparing to enroll at New Mexico State University (NMSU), Gomez was a beloved community volunteer who mentored younger students. His death has sparked vigils across the city.
Dominick Estrada, 19
Estrada, a construction worker, was the primary provider for his family. His mother, Maria Estrada, tearfully told reporters, “He was my rock. I don’t know how we’ll go on without him.”
The Suspects: Who Are They?
Tomas Rivas-Hidalgo, 20
The oldest of the accused, Tomas has a prior criminal record including aggravated assault charges from 2023. Court records suggest a history of violent behavior, though no previous convictions.
Adrian Rivas-Hidalgo, 17
Believed to be Tomas’s younger brother, Adrian was a high school dropout with alleged ties to local gang activity, according to law enforcement sources.
Gustavo Dominguez, 17
Little is publicly known about Dominguez, but social media posts reviewed by investigators suggest possible gang affiliations.
The 15-Year-Old Suspect
Due to his age, his identity remains sealed. However, sources indicate he may have been the “lookout” during the shooting.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Impact
Young Park Closure
The park remains closed indefinitely as forensic teams continue processing evidence. Nearby roads are also blocked, disrupting local traffic.
Vigils and Protests
Hundreds gathered at a candlelight vigil on Sunday night, demanding stricter gun control laws and increased police patrols in high-crime areas.
Political Response
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a statement calling the shooting “a senseless act of brutality” and vowing to push for harsher penalties for juvenile offenders involved in gun violence.
Future Implications: Legal and Social Ramifications
Potential Legal Outcomes
- Tomas Rivas-Hidalgo, as an adult, could face life imprisonment if convicted.
- The three juveniles may be tried as adults, depending on prosecutorial discretion.
Gang Violence Concerns
The shooting has reignited debates over gang recruitment of minors and the need for early intervention programs.
Gun Control Debates
With all weapons used being handguns, advocates are calling for stricter background checks and red flag laws to prevent future tragedies.
Conclusion: A City in Mourning
The Las Cruces mass shooting has left an indelible scar on the community. As investigators work tirelessly to piece together the events of that fateful night, the families of Andrew Madrid, Jason Gomez, and Dominick Estrada must grapple with an unimaginable loss. Meanwhile, the legal proceedings against Tomas Rivas-Hidalgo, Adrian Rivas-Hidalgo, Gustavo Dominguez, and the unnamed 15-year-old will unfold in the coming months, determining whether justice will be served.
For now, Las Cruces stands united in grief—but also in resolve—to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Las Cruces Police Department at (575) 526-0795.
Leave a Reply