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
14-Year-Old Middleton High School Student Carson Chrapkowski Dies After Bicycle Crash, Driver Alyssa Anderson Arrested
MIDDLETON, Idaho — A 14-year-old Middleton High School student has died after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle near the high school Friday night, according to the Middleton Police Department.
The teenager was transported by Life Flight to St. Luke’s Boise following the crash but died from his injuries early Saturday morning.
Middleton police said the crash involved a vehicle and a bicyclist near Middleton High School. The 14-year-old suffered critical injuries and was flown to a Boise hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Police announced Saturday morning that the young bicyclist had succumbed to his injuries.
The teen was identified in the information provided for this report as Carson Chrapkowski, a Middleton High School student. However, the police department’s public statement did not release the teenager’s name.
Police arrested 41-year-old Alyssa Louise Anderson in connection with the crash. Anderson was booked into the Canyon County Jail.
According to police, Anderson is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter, aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an injury accident.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the collision or the specific allegations supporting the DUI charge.
The crash remains under investigation by the Middleton Police Department and Idaho State Police. Investigators have not released further information about the sequence of events or whether additional charges could be filed.
Police said they are continuing to work to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
The Middleton Police Department expressed condolences to the teenager’s parents, family, friends, classmates and others affected by his death as the community mourns the loss of a young student.