Crime
Judge Denies Release of Teen Suspects in Las Cruces Park Mass Shooting
A New Mexico judge has denied the release of three teenagers charged in connection with the fatal mass shooting at Young Park in Las Cruces.
During detention hearings on Tuesday, March 25, at the Doña Ana County District Court, Judge Grace B. Duran ruled that 17-year-olds Gustavo Dominguez and Nathan Giovani Rivas, along with 15-year-old Josiah Ontiveros, will remain in custody.
Each is facing three open counts of murder, with additional charges pending.
Earlier this week, Doña Ana County District Attorney Fernando Macias announced that the 3rd Judicial District Court is moving forward with first-degree murder charges, and potentially conspiracy charges, against all four individuals arrested in connection with the March 21 shooting.
A fourth suspect, 20-year-old Tomas Rivas, is also facing three counts of murder.
The Las Cruces Police Department identified the deceased victims as Andrew “AJ” Madrid, 16; Jason Gomez, 17; and Dominick Estrada, 19. The shooting left 15 additional victims injured.
Each of the three teenage suspects appeared separately for their detention hearings, entering the courtroom in brown jail-issued jumpsuits with their hands cuffed.
They remained silent throughout the proceedings, only glancing at family members who were seated nearby but with whom they were not permitted to communicate.
Judge Duran ultimately denied their release, citing both public safety concerns and the potential risk of retaliation.
“I have a duty to protect this community, and the community is crying for justice,” Duran stated. “I cannot ignore the loss of lives and the 15 others still fighting for theirs. There is a risk of retaliation, so perhaps the safest place for them is to remain in detention.”
The victims’ families sat quietly in the courtroom, observing the proceedings as the judge ruled against granting bond.
District Attorney Macias emphasized the severity of the case, stating that the evidence presented demonstrates the suspects pose a serious risk of harm to both themselves and the community.
“Today’s outcome solidifies my commitment to ensuring that anyone who endangers the safety of our community will face appropriate consequences,” Macias said. “Our office recognizes the severity of this incident and will do everything in its power to ensure accountability and public safety.”
According to statements made in court, both the suspects and their families have received threats since the shooting.
The three juveniles will remain in custody at the Doña Ana County Detention Center as legal proceedings continue.
No additional court dates have been scheduled at this time.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.