Crime
Authorities Seek Public’s Help to Identify Suspect in Young Park Mass Shooting in Las Cruces
UPDATE: Las Cruces police have officially confirmed that Gabriel Rickman is not involved in the mass shooting that occurred at Young Park on Friday night, March 21, 2025.
Authorities Confirm Gabriel Rickman Not Involved in Young Park Mass Shooting in Las Cruces
Rickman was interviewed by investigators and has been cleared of any connection to the incident.
Authorities also addressed the circulation of an image depicting a teenager holding what appears to be an AR-style rifle.
Police clarified that there is no evidence linking that firearm to the crime scene.
A thorough examination of ballistic evidence determined that approximately 50 to 60 shell casings recovered at the scene were from handguns, with no casings found matching an AR-style rifle.
Law enforcement officials continue to actively investigate the incident and are pursuing multiple leads.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
Las Cruces, NM โ Authorities continue to investigate the mass shooting that occurred late Friday night at Young Park, leaving three people dead and 14 others injured.
No arrests have been made as law enforcement agencies work to identify the suspect or suspects responsible for the deadly attack.
The shooting took place around 10 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Young Park, located at 850 S. Walnut St.
According to police, heavy gunfire erupted in the parking lot, where a large crowd had gathered.
Chaos ensued as dozens of shots rang out, sending people running for cover behind vehicles and in different directions.
Las Cruces police have confirmed that the three individuals killed include two 19-year-old men and a 16-year-old boy.
The victimsโ identities are being withheld at this time out of respect for their families.
The injured victims, who range in age from 16 to 36 years old, were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Some of the more critically wounded were transferred to the University Medical Center of El Paso in Texas.
Authorities are still working to determine the motive behind the shooting and whether it was a targeted attack or a random act of violence.
Investigators are following multiple leads and reviewing surveillance footage while also gathering witness statements.
The Las Cruces Police Department is receiving investigative support from the New Mexico State Police, the Dona Ana County Sheriffโs Office, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Police urge anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the Las Cruces Police Department at (575) 526-0795.
Individuals seeking to confirm the status of a loved one may also call the same number.
Norfolk, Virginia โ Authorities have identified the instructor killed during Thursdayโs shooting at Old Dominion University as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a retired U.S. Army officer who had returned to the university to serve as an instructor with its Army ROTC program.
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:43 a.m. on the universityโs campus in Norfolk. Police responded after receiving multiple emergency calls reporting an active shooter inside Constant Hall.
According to law enforcement sources, the suspectโidentified by authorities as Mohammed Jallohโentered the building and walked through the hallway before approaching a classroom where an Army ROTC session was underway.
The suspect reportedly asked individuals inside whether he had arrived at an ROTC class. When someone confirmed that it was, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally shooting the class instructor.
Voorhees University confirmed in a public Facebook statement that the victim was Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, noting the tragedy has personal ties to the institution.
โThis tragedy is felt especially close to home for us, as the victim, Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, was the son-in-law of Voorhees University Trustee and alumnus Dr. Dan Martin,โ the university wrote in its statement. โWe lift Dr. Martin and his family in our thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable loss.โ
Shah was a native of Staunton and began his military career by enlisting in the United States Army in 2003 as an aviation operations specialist.
In 2005, he enrolled at Old Dominion University, where he later received his Army commission in 2007. Shah graduated with a bachelorโs degree in sociology and a minor in military science.
Following his commissioning, Shah served extensively in Army aviation. According to his alumni profile at ODU, he earned the Army Aviation Senior Aviator wings, logging more than 1,200 flight hours across three different aircraft and accumulating over 600 combat flight hours during his service.
In addition to his undergraduate degree, Shah pursued advanced education, earning an MBA from University of Georgia and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from University of Kansas.
Throughout his military career, Shah received numerous awards and distinctions. Among them were the Senior Army Aviator Badge, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge.
His alumni biography also described him as a strong advocate for minority and veteran business education, highlighting his involvement in initiatives that support diversity, inclusion, and entrepreneurship. In addition to his professional work, Shah volunteered his time to assist underserved communities.
Shah returned to his alma mater in summer 2022 to serve as an instructor and help lead the Army ROTC Monarch Battalion at Old Dominion University. In that role, he mentored and trained students pursuing military leadership careers.
University officials and members of the campus community have expressed deep sorrow over his death, remembering Shah as a dedicated officer, educator, and mentor whose service and leadership had a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not yet released additional details about the suspectโs motive, and the investigation remains active.