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 – 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 victims’ 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 Sheriff’s 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.
Crime
16-Year-Old Shot and Killed by Off-Duty Deputy During Shoplifting Confrontation at Walmart in Poinciana
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A 16-year-old male was shot and killed Thursday evening during a confrontation inside a Walmart store in Poinciana, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Christopher Blackmon said the incident occurred shortly before 8:00 p.m. at the Walmart located at 904 Cypress Parkway.
An off-duty deputy working security at the store was alerted by a loss prevention officer that three individuals were allegedly concealing merchandise inside their clothing.
As the deputy and store personnel attempted to make contact near the front of the store, one of the suspects reportedly fled while holding a firearm. Sheriff Blackmon stated that the deputy discharged his weapon, striking the armed individual.
“Our deputy fired downrange at the suspect and took him out,” Blackmon said during a media briefing.
The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities later confirmed he was a 16-year-old resident of Poinciana. His name has not been publicly released.
The two other individuals who were reportedly with the teen fled the store immediately following the shooting.
Early dispatch information indicated that two male subjects wearing dark clothing left in an unknown direction, prompting a coordinated search effort.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office assisted Osceola County authorities with perimeter operations and area searches. Shell casings were recovered at the scene, and a K-9 unit was deployed to assist in tracking.
By Friday, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the two additional individuals had been identified and accounted for.
One is a juvenile and the other is an adult in his 20s. It remains unclear whether charges will be filed.
Polk County deputies cleared the scene later in the evening, and the investigation remains under the jurisdiction of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities confirmed that the deputy involved in the shooting was not injured.
In accordance with standard protocol for deputy-involved shootings, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is conducting an independent investigation into the use of force.
Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation remains active.
Additional details, including further information about the deceased teen, are expected to be released as the inquiry progresses.