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.
Crime
55-Year-Old Camilla Daniel Dies Days After Assault at Columbus Home, Son Brandon Harmon Arrested
COLUMBUS, Ga. — A 55-year-old woman has died several days after she was reportedly assaulted inside her home in Columbus, Georgia, and her son has been arrested in connection with the incident, according to authorities.
Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan identified the victim as Camilla Faye Daniel, who died at 6:36 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, while receiving treatment in the intensive care unit at Piedmont Columbus Regional.
According to Bryan, Daniel was assaulted at her residence on Sunday, October 11. Following her death, arrangements were being made to transport her body for an autopsy to determine the cause and circumstances of her death. Her family has been notified.
The case follows a reported assault involving a stabbing in the 2900 block of Dawson Street late Sunday night. The Columbus Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit is leading the investigation.
Jail records show that Brandon Harmon, 37, was booked into the Muscogee County Jail on October 12. He was charged with aggravated assault and possession of a knife during the commission of a crime.
Authorities have confirmed that Harmon is Daniel’s son and was incarcerated in connection with the case. However, officials have not yet publicly announced whether the charges against him will be amended or whether additional charges will be filed following Daniel’s death.
The pending autopsy is expected to help investigators establish further details surrounding Daniel’s death. Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances of the alleged assault.
The investigation remains ongoing. Further updates may be released as police and the coroner’s office provide additional information.