Who Were the Victims in the New Mexico Park Mass Shooting?

A peaceful evening at Young Park turned into a scene of horror on March 21, 2025, when gunfire erupted during an unsanctioned car show, leaving three young people dead and at least 15 others wounded. The Las Cruces community is now mourning the loss of life and grappling with unanswered questions.

3 killed, 15 injured in mass shooting at New Mexico's Las Cruces park

The Victims

Authorities have confirmed that the three individuals killed were two 19-year-old men and a 16-year-old boy. Their names have not been officially released, pending notification of next of kin. According to local sources, all three victims were residents of Las Cruces, and each was well-known in the local community.

The injured victims range in age from 16 to 36 years old and were transported to area hospitals, including MountainView Regional Medical Center and the University Medical Center in El Paso, Texas. As of Sunday evening, several remained in serious condition. The exact nature of their injuries has not been made public.

Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story expressed deep condolences to the victims' families during a press briefing. “These young men were part of our community,” he said. “Their lives were cut short in an act of senseless violence.”

Eyewitness Accounts

Many attendees at the car show were teenagers and young adults. Witnesses described a chaotic scene when shots rang out around 10 p.m. “It sounded like fireworks at first,” said Diego Ramirez, 17, who was present at the event. “Then people started screaming and running in all directions.”

Several victims reportedly collapsed on the grass near food vendors and parked cars. Others were found injured in the parking lot and along nearby walking trails. Videos circulating on social media show attendees ducking for cover behind vehicles and scrambling for safety.

What Happened?

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

According to authorities, an altercation between two rival groups escalated into gunfire. Police recovered between 50 to 60 shell casings from the scene, all believed to be from handguns. Witnesses reported seeing multiple shooters, but police have yet to confirm the exact number of individuals who fired weapons.

Investigators believe the shooting was targeted and not random, but no motive has been officially released. Chief Story stated that preliminary evidence suggests the dispute may have been gang-related, but authorities are still gathering information.

Suspects and Investigation

As of Monday morning, no arrests have been made, though police have identified persons of interest. Las Cruces Police are working with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to track down the suspects. Authorities have urged the public to submit any cellphone videos or tips through a designated hotline.

“We have solid leads,” said Chief Story. “We are following up aggressively and will not rest until those responsible are held accountable.”

Community Response

The city of Las Cruces, home to approximately 115,000 residents, has been shaken by the incident. Mayor Eric Enriquez called the shooting “an act of cowardice” and promised to support the victims’ families.

In a statement, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said, “I am heartbroken by the violence that occurred in Las Cruces. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire community. We must continue to confront the scourge of gun violence that plagues our state and nation.”

Vigils are being planned throughout the week, and a GoFundMe campaign has already raised thousands of dollars for the victims’ families.

Broader Concerns About Public Safety

Young Park, typically a family-friendly space for community events, is now the site of an active crime scene. The tragedy has reignited debates about public safety at unsanctioned gatherings and the growing problem of gun violence in New Mexico.

State lawmakers are expected to discuss new public safety measures in response to the shooting, with some calling for tighter restrictions on public events and enhanced police presence at large gatherings.

“This is not who we are,” said Mayor Enriquez. “But this is a wake-up call that we need to do more to protect our residents, especially our youth.”

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