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
Two Children, Ages 9 and 10, Charged in Brutal Assault and Attempted Murder of 5-Year-Old A’Marie Jones in Cleveland
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Two children, ages 9 and 10, have been formally charged in connection with the brutal assault and attempted murder of a 5-year-old girl A’marie Jones in Cleveland last month, according to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors confirmed that the 9-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl are facing serious felony charges, including attempted murder, rape, felonious assault, kidnapping, and strangulation.
Because of their ages, both suspects are being charged as juveniles.
The alleged attack occurred on September 13 in a field near East 148th Street and St. Clair Avenue, where investigators say the young victim was discovered severely injured.
The child’s mother, Antavia Kennibrew, previously told that her daughter suffered catastrophic injuries, describing the scene as “unbelievable.” Kennibrew said she had dropped her daughter off at a relative’s home near East 145th Street and St. Clair Avenue that day.
At some point, the 5-year-old reportedly wandered out of the house alone before being attacked.
“When I saw her, she was unrecognizable,” Kennibrew said. “Her hair was scalped from her head. She had bruises and blood all over her body. Her eyes were filled with blood, her lips and mouth were swollen and bleeding, and her nails were filled with dirt and debris.”
First responders rushed the child to the hospital for emergency treatment. Officials say she continues to recover but has suffered severe physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. She is now undergoing ongoing therapy and counseling.
Due to the extreme sensitivity of the case and the involvement of minors, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office has declined to release further details, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to protect the victim’s privacy.
“The investigation remains active,” prosecutors said, noting that authorities are still reviewing evidence and gathering additional information.
Kennibrew says her focus now is on helping her daughter heal:
“I just want her to be able to live like a normal 5-year-old again.”
Cleveland police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault.