Las Cruces, NM – An altercation between two groups at an unsanctioned car show led to a deadly mass shooting at Young Park on the night of March 21, 2025.

The incident resulted in three fatalities and multiple gunshot victims, according to the Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD).

Authorities confirmed that 15 people sustained injuries in the shooting, while three male victims lost their lives.

The deceased have been identified as 19-year-old Dominick Angel Estrada, a 18-year-old man, and a 16-year-old Andrew Madrid.

The wounded individuals range in age from 16 to 36 years old.

One of the injured victims has been identified as Jacob Zuniga.

Las Cruces police have officially cleared Gabriel Rickman of any involvement in the shooting. Rickman was interviewed by investigators and determined not to be connected to the crime.

Authorities also addressed the circulation of an image on social media showing a teenager holding an AR-style rifle. Law enforcement clarified that there is no evidence linking the firearm in the image to the crime scene.

A ballistic analysis of the evidence recovered from the area revealed that all 50 to 60 shell casings found at the scene were from handguns, with none matching an AR-style rifle.

In a press conference on Saturday morning, LCPD Chief Jeremy Story provided further details regarding the timeline and scale of the incident.

The first reports of gunfire were received at approximately 10:10 p.m. The violence quickly escalated, resulting in multiple victims caught in the crossfire.

According to LCPD, around 200 people were present at the park when the shooting took place. The majority of the gunfire occurred in the parking lot, though shell casings were found throughout the park.

Chief Story also noted that there was existing “ill will” between the two groups involved before the event took place.

Las Cruces Fire Department (LCFD) Chief Michael Daniels reported that two victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

Seven individuals were treated on-site, four were transported to local hospitals, and one critically injured person was airlifted to a hospital in El Paso, Texas.

As of Saturday morning, seven of the injured victims have been transferred to medical facilities in El Paso for further treatment.

Four individuals have been treated and released, while updates on the condition of the remaining four victims are still pending.

During the press conference, Chief Story expressed frustration over crime trends in New Mexico, stating, “This horrendous, senseless act is a stark reminder of the blatant disregard people in New Mexico have for the rule of law and order. It’s also a reminder of the lack of fear and accountability in New Mexico.”

Story cited staffing shortages within the LCPD, stating that his department remains below its budgeted strength of 220 officers.

Additionally, three approved Park Rangers are still undergoing training, and the Real Time Crime Center—funded by both the city and the state—has yet to become operational.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham also addressed the incident in a statement on Saturday, highlighting a 46% increase in violent crime in Las Cruces compared to the previous year. “The devastating loss of Officer Jonah Hernandez in Las Cruces last year, and now this mass shooting, underscore the legislature’s years-long failure to address the crime crisis shattering lives and communities in our state,” the governor’s statement read. “New Mexicans are heartbroken, and they should also be outraged that their legislature will adjourn today without having passed a single bill to address juvenile crime or ban assault weapons.”

Chief Story described unsanctioned car shows as an ongoing challenge for law enforcement. In response to past incidents, the city installed gates at Young Park, which are closed nightly at 11 p.m.

Additionally, LCPD is in the process of implementing security technology throughout Las Cruces parks as part of the Real Time Crime Center initiative. However, Story noted that officers were not available for most of the evening before the shooting.

He further elaborated on the presence of firearms at the event, both during and leading up to the shooting. “That area has been troubled by crime more so in recent years,” Story said. “Despite our efforts, we are still struggling with it.”

No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, but investigators are pursuing multiple leads. LCPD is urging anyone who attended the event and captured photos or videos to upload them to a secure site to assist in the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is encouraged to contact Las Cruces police at (575) 526-0795. Individuals seeking to confirm the status of a loved one may also call the same number.