Crime
Two Suspects Tomas Rivas and 17-year-old male Arrested in connection to Las Cruces Mass Shooting
Las Cruces police have arrested two individuals in connection with the deadly mass shooting at Young Park on Friday night.
Nathan Giovani Rivas and Tomas Rivas-Hidalgo Arrested in Connection to Las Cruces Mass Shooting
Authorities confirmed the arrests of 20-year-old Tomas Rivas and a 17-year-old male suspect on Saturday evening.
Both individuals have been charged with three open counts of murder, with additional charges expected as the investigation progresses.
Rivas is being held without bond at the Doña Ana County Detention Center, while the juvenile suspect has been remanded to a juvenile detention facility.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to pursue leads.
The victims who tragically lost their lives in the shooting have been identified as Andrew Madrid, 16; Jason Gomez, 18; and Dominick Estrada, 19.
Madrid and Gomez were pronounced dead at the scene, while Estrada was transported to MountainView Regional Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
In total, 15 other victims—nine males and six females, ranging in age from 16 to 36—were wounded in the incident.
Their names have not been publicly released to protect their privacy.
Several victims were transported to local hospitals, with seven later transferred to medical facilities in El Paso, Texas. Their current conditions remain unknown.
Las Cruces police, in coordination with the FBI, ATF, New Mexico State Police, the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Authorities have officially confirmed that Gabriel Rickman is not connected to the incident. Following an investigation, Rickman was interviewed by detectives and cleared of any involvement.
Police also addressed concerns surrounding an image circulating on social media, which depicted a teenager holding what appeared to be an AR-style rifle.
Officials confirmed that ballistic evidence at the scene did not support any connection between that firearm and the shooting.
A forensic analysis of approximately 50 to 60 shell casings recovered at the scene determined that all were discharged from handguns, with no evidence of an AR-style rifle being used.
During a press conference on Saturday, Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story reiterated that all recovered shell casings were from handguns.
He also confirmed that an individual seen in the social media post with a rifle was interviewed and is not currently a suspect.
The shooting occurred shortly after 10 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025, in the parking lot of Young Park, located at 850 S. Walnut St. Officers and emergency responders arrived on the scene following multiple reports of gunfire and gunshot victims.
As of Saturday evening, Young Park remains closed as authorities continue to collect evidence. Nearby roads are also restricted to traffic while the investigation remains ongoing.
Las Cruces police urge anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. Individuals who were present at Young Park during the incident and have relevant photos or videos are encouraged to submit them to a secure site for review.
Crime
Saylor Graham, 7, Fights to Recover After Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting as Teacher Becky Drury Faces Long Recovery
BEND, Oregon — Seven-year-old Saylor Graham is recovering from life-threatening injuries after being shot at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on October 15, 2026. Meanwhile, 54-year-old teacher Becky Drury is beginning a lengthy recovery after suffering gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand during the deadly school shooting.
The latest updates from the two families offer a glimpse of the difficult road ahead for survivors of a tragedy that claimed the lives of three children and a teacher, leaving families, classmates, and the wider Bend community grieving.
Saylor Graham, described by her family as a loving, feisty girl with a strong determination to thrive, was shot in the jaw during the shooting, according to the information shared by her family and supporters. She was airlifted from Bend for medical treatment.
Her family says the 7-year-old has already faced numerous medical challenges throughout her young life. Now, she is confronting another devastating ordeal, with her parents remaining by her side as she receives treatment and begins the recovery process.
Updates shared about Saylor’s condition have differed. An earlier account described her as being in critical condition, while a later update reported that she was in serious but stable condition. Her latest status should be confirmed with her family or an official source before publication.
For Saylor’s parents, the emotional strain is accompanied by significant financial uncertainty. Both parents are self-employed, and the demands of remaining at the hospital have sharply limited their ability to work. They must also manage medical expenses, transportation, lodging, household bills, and the needs of their other child.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been organized to help Saylor’s family manage the financial pressures arising from her injuries and ongoing treatment.
The fundraiser describes Saylor as a daughter, sister, and niece whose determination has carried her through numerous medical challenges. It explains that the family is facing uncertainty as they remain close to her during recovery.
The appeal states that donations will help cover hospital bills, time away from work, lodging, transportation, and other urgent family expenses.
The fundraiser also asks supporters to keep Saylor and her loved ones in their thoughts and prayers, emphasizing that every contribution and act of kindness can make a difference during this difficult time.
Readers who wish to support Saylor’s recovery can find the fundraiser through the link shared by her family or the original organizer. The campaign details and donation link should be verified before being shared.
Becky Drury, 54, a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School, was also wounded in the shooting. She suffered gunshot injuries to her left arm and right hand and has undergone surgery.
Her husband, Will, shared a hopeful update, saying the operation went well. However, the injuries to her left arm were extensive, and she is expected to require additional procedures and a prolonged recovery.
Despite the difficult road ahead, her husband’s message offered a moment of relief amid the grief surrounding the shooting.
“The good news is she will be ok and we all get to keep that magnificent woman we love so much in our lives,” he said.
His words reflect the gratitude of a family facing a frightening and uncertain recovery while knowing that Becky survived.
The shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School left three children and one teacher dead, according to the information provided in reports about the incident.
Five-year-old Rhoam Summer has been publicly identified among the children killed. Megan Lambert, 25, a teacher also known as “Coach Megan,” was identified as the adult victim. Two other children, ages 8 and 11, were also killed.
Their deaths have left four families facing an unimaginable loss. While Saylor and Becky continue their recoveries, the families of those who died are beginning a different and heartbreaking journey of grief.
The contrast between the survivors’ fight to recover and the families’ permanent loss has become one of the most painful realities of the tragedy.
For Saylor’s family, every update about her condition carries enormous significance. Her parents are navigating the uncertainty of their daughter’s recovery while trying to remain present for her and care for their family.
For Becky Drury’s loved ones, the successful surgery has brought relief, even as further treatment and rehabilitation lie ahead.
Their stories do not erase the devastating loss experienced by the families of the victims. Instead, they highlight the many ways the shooting has changed lives and the long road that survivors and loved ones must now face.
As Bend mourns the children and teacher who did not return home, the community continues to hope for Saylor’s recovery and for Becky to regain her health.
Saylor Graham and Becky Drury are among those still fighting their way forward after the Silver Rail Elementary School shooting. Their families are asking for support, compassion, and privacy as they face the difficult days ahead.
