Police: 4 arrested for shooting that left 3 dead, 15 wounded in Las Cruces

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Police: 3 dead, 4 suspects in custody after Las Cruces shooting

The shooting left more than a dozen people dead and is sparking discussion and debate among state lawmakers after a contentious legislative session.

Investigators are asking for video of any part of Friday’s shooting to be uploaded to a secure site or call police at (575) 526-0795.

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Police have four suspects in custody for a shooting that left three teens dead and 15 people wounded Friday night in Las Cruces.

Police announced Sunday that they have arrested four suspects, 20-year-old Tomas Rivas, a 15-year-old boy and two 17-year-old boys. All four are charged with three open counts of first-degree murder.

Rivas was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center and is being held without bond. Both of the boys are being held in the juvenile section of the detention facility.

Our original story continues below.

People in Las Cruces said they are in shock that this kind of crime happened in their city.

Police are calling this a complex investigation. They are still looking for answers. And the community is trying to process what happened.

Young Park was a chaotic scene Friday night. As gunfire rang out, hundreds of people ran, trying to get to safety.

Las Cruces police said there were at least 50 to 60 gunshots. It left three teenagers dead — Andrew Madrid, 16; Jason Gomez, 18; and Dominik Estrada, 19. Fifteen other people between the ages of 16 and 36 were injured.

It happened at what police called an unsanctioned car meet-up.

Shaquane Heckstall said he was there.

“Initially I’m thinking, that’s like, someone’s exhaust from their car,” he said. “But then, like, I realized, like, that’s not what that’s supposed to be.”

Heckstall said he has been to multiple car meets with no issues. But once he realized it was a shooting, he sprang into action.

“I ran over to the first person I saw,” Heckstall said. “I was a young kid, maybe 15, 16 years old. Somewhere in there. He’s got a shot in the arm, I think a shot in the legs, just blood everywhere.

“It’s like a nightmare that I can’t stop thinking about, like I can’t stop replaying that kid telling me, go help my dad. Go help my dad. Because, you know, he’s a kid, you know, and for him to have that presence of mind, he’s worried about his pops more than himself.”

Others like Rosana Colorbio, who has lived in Las Cruces her whole life, are still coming to terms with the tragedy.

“It’s come to the point that this, this was going to end up happening,” she said. “Something terrible is going to end up happening. And it’s sad, because three people died the shooting happened just after 10 p.m. The city says it has tried stopping after-hours activity with gates. But last year they were destroyed.”

Police said the investigation is ongoing.

“I can almost guarantee whatever they were arguing about was not worth people’s lives and livelihood and people’s health,” Heckstall said.

A vigil took place Sunday at the Momentum Church. Donations are being accepted on this website.

The Family Assistance and Resource Center is open Monday and Tuesday for anyone impacted:

  • 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Las Cruces Convention Center on University Avenue
  • Open to Las Cruces & Doña Ana County residents
  • All services are free

Stay tuned to KOB 4 News for further updates.