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.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.