New Mexico, USA — Police have arrested two people, including a teenager, in connection with a mass shooting at a car meet-up in New Mexico that tragically resulted in the deaths of three teen boys and left 15 others injured, authorities have confirmed.
Tomas Rivas, 20, and an unidentified 17-year-old were taken into custody on Saturday and charged with three open counts of murder, allowing prosecutors to decide later whether to pursue manslaughter, first-degree murder, or second-degree murder charges.
Additional charges are anticipated to be filed against the suspects soon, according to the Las Cruces Police Department.
Authorities have identified the victims as Andrew Madrid, 16, Jason Gomez, 18, and Dominick Estrada, 19. Madrid and Gomez died at the scene, while Estrada succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a nearby hospital, police said.
The mass shooting injured 15 other people aged 16 to 36, including nine males and six females. While the conditions of the injured individuals were not detailed, Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story mentioned that some were”fighting for their lives.”
The violent incident unfolded shortly after 10 p.m. in the parking lot of Young Park, where an estimated 200 people had gathered for an illegal car meet.
Police reported that an argument between two warring groups with ongoing tensions escalated into gunfire, sending attendees scrambling for cover.
Several victims caught in the crossfire were bystanders, Story explained.
“We know there was some ill will between these groups before last night. They had some issues before, which escalated last night, ” the Story stated.
Authorities have not confirmed whether Rivas, the teen suspect, or the deceased teens — Madrid, Gomez, and Estrada — were part of the warring groups involved in the shooting.
Video footage from the event showed individuals openly carrying firearms, with some involved in the shooting and others seen with guns before the violence erupted, Story said.
Investigators have so far recovered around 50 shell casings from the scene, all of which came from handguns. While most were found within the park, some were discovered on surrounding streets.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have urged the public to provide videos or other evidence that may assist in identifying additional suspects or clarifying the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
