Crime
Victims Killed in Las Cruces Mass Shooting Identified
Authorities confirmed the arrests of 20-year-old Tomas Rivas and a 17-year-old male suspect on Saturday evening.
Las Cruces police have arrested two individuals in connection with the deadly mass shooting at Young Park on Friday night.
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
Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A security guard has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a Center City IHOP over the weekend that left a 43-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday at the IHOP located in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who police say was unhoused, was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators report that the victim had been causing a disturbance inside the restaurant prior to the shooting. As security personnel escorted him outside, he allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards.
That guard, identified as 38-year-old Yahaira Melendez, allegedly responded by drawing her firearm and shooting the victim once in the head.
Police say preliminary findings indicate the victim was not armed at the time of the incident.
Melendez, a mother of three, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder and related offenses.
In a statement Melendez’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the situation, writing in part:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security. We know she would never harm anyone unless she felt she had no other choice to protect herself or others.”
The shooting has left nearby workers and residents shaken.
“Escalation — where was the escalation?” asked Karr Anderson, who works next door to the restaurant. “Security guards need to know how to withhold, how to show restraint.”
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether proper security protocols were followed and what led to the use of deadly force.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending family notification.