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.
BARTOW, FL — Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred at 120 Polk Street East in Bartow.
The incident resulted in three individuals sustaining gunshot wounds, including a Bartow Police Department (BPD) officer, a public safety aide (PSA) officer, and the suspect involved.
Emergency medical services were immediately requested at the scene to provide critical aid to all three gunshot victims.
The conditions of the injured individuals have not yet been released.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.
Law enforcement officials have secured the area as forensic teams and investigators begin processing the scene.
Additional information, including the identities of those involved and any potential charges, is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area and allow emergency crews to continue their response efforts without obstruction.