Mass Shooting at Young Park in Las Cruces: Suspects, Investigation, and Arrests

The mass shooting at a park in New Mexico’s Las Cruces

Authorities have made significant progress in the investigation of the mass shooting at Young Park that left three young people dead and 15 others injured during an unsanctioned car show on March 21, 2025.

Who are the Suspects and Arrests

Police confirmed that Tomas Rivas, 20, of Las Cruces, was arrested late Saturday night. He is charged with three open counts of first-degree murder and multiple counts of aggravated battery. Rivas was taken into custody without incident during a traffic stop near his residence on the city’s east side. Authorities described Rivas as a known gang affiliate, but have not specified the exact motive behind the shooting.

The Suspects at New Mexico Park Mass Shooting

The second suspect is a 17-year-old male, also from Las Cruces, who is facing identical charges. Due to his status as a juvenile, his name has not been released. He was arrested early Sunday morning following the execution of a search warrant at a residence near the park where the shooting occurred. Police recovered two handguns from the property, believed to be used in the shooting.

Both suspects are being held without bond — Rivas at the Doña Ana County Detention Center and the juvenile at a local juvenile detention facility. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek to try the 17-year-old as an adult, citing the severity of the crime.

Read more: Who Were the Victims in the New Mexico Park Mass Shooting?

Ties to Gang Activity?

While authorities have stopped short of confirming a gang motive, Chief Jeremy Story hinted at organized criminal involvement during a press conference. “We have reason to believe this was not a random act,” Story stated. “There are indications of a dispute between rival groups, which tragically escalated into deadly violence.”

Sources close to the investigation told local media that the shooting may have stemmed from an ongoing feud between two rival street gangs in Las Cruces. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing both suspects arguing with others shortly before the gunfire erupted.

What Investigators Found

Forensic teams recovered 50 to 60 shell casings from multiple locations within Young Park, confirming that several firearms were discharged. In addition to the two handguns seized during the juvenile suspect’s arrest, police are continuing to search for additional weapons that may have been discarded in the aftermath of the shooting.

The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have joined the investigation, assisting with ballistics analysis and tracing the recovered firearms. Authorities have not disclosed whether the weapons were legally owned or how they were obtained.

Public Cooperation

Investigators credit community cooperation for the swift arrests. Several attendees provided cellphone footage and witness statements that helped police identify Rivas and the juvenile suspect. Las Cruces Police Department continues to encourage anyone with additional video evidence or knowledge of the incident to come forward.

“We would not be where we are today without the bravery of those who stepped up,” Chief Story added.

Next Steps

The suspects are expected to make their first court appearances later this week. Prosecutors are preparing formal charges, which may also include gang enhancement penalties under New Mexico law.

Community Impact

The arrests have provided some relief to a shaken community, but many residents remain concerned about public safety at local events. “It’s heartbreaking to think a simple car show turned into this,” said Carmen Gonzalez, a resident who lives near Young Park.

City officials have promised to increase security at future public gatherings and are reviewing ordinances related to unsanctioned events.

Mayor Eric Enriquez noted, “We will not allow fear to take hold in Las Cruces.”

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