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.
MUSKEGON, Mich. — Police are actively searching for the suspect responsible for a deadly shooting that left two people dead and three others injured, including a young child, inside a Muskegon home on Saturday afternoon.
Authorities identified the two victims who died as 25-year-old Josh Fondren Jr. and 22-year-old Cori May, according to the Muskegon Police Department.
Investigators initially withheld the victims’ identities pending family notification.
The shooting occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. inside a residence near the intersection of Jackson Avenue and McLaren Street.
Officers were dispatched to the scene after receiving multiple reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, they discovered several individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
Fondren was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cori May and two additional 25-year-old men were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
May later succumbed to her injuries, while the two men remained in critical condition as of Saturday evening.
A 4-year-old child was also injured during the incident.
Police said the child’s injuries were minor, and the child was expected to be released from the hospital.
Muskegon Police Chief Tim Kozal confirmed that the suspect fled the scene before officers arrived.
As of the latest update, no arrests have been made.
While the investigation remains ongoing, Kozal stated that the shooting does not appear to be a random act, and officials do not believe there is an immediate threat to the broader public.
In response to the recent surge of violence, Muskegon Mayor Ken Johnson issued a statement late Saturday night addressing the tragic impact on the community.
“Our community has been shaken by tragedies this week, with the apparent murder of Thomas ‘Tommy’ Stewart in his home in the 1400 block of Jiroch Street on Monday, and then Saturday’s mass shooting in a home in the 600 block of Jackson Avenue,” Johnson said.
The mayor urged residents with any information to come forward and also called for unity during this difficult time.
“Meanwhile, let’s hold the victims, their families, our neighbors, and all the first responders and medical professionals in our hearts, prayers, and thoughts,” Johnson said. “May our community come together in care for one another, as we navigate these traumatic events, and in pursuit of justice.”
Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact:
- Muskegon Police Department: 231-724-6750
- Silent Observer (anonymous tips): 231-722-7463
The investigation remains underway.