On the night of March 21, 2025, a tragic mass shooting occurred at Young Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico, during an unsanctioned car meet attended by approximately 200 people. The violence erupted shortly after 10 p.m. following an altercation between two groups, leading to gunfire that left three individuals dead and 15 others injured. Among the deceased was 19-year-old Hispanic male Dominick Angel Estrada.
The other victims who lost their lives were 16-year-old Andrew Madrid and 18-year-old Jason Gomez.
Dominick Angel Estrada was transported to MountainView Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries. Witnesses described the chaotic scene, with one bystander, Toby Mondragon, performing CPR on Dominick amidst the ongoing danger. Another individual, Craig Theriault, attempted to stop the bleeding from Dominick's head wound, holding him until emergency services arrived.
In the aftermath, law enforcement arrested four suspects: 20-year-old Tomas Rivas, and three juveniles aged 17, 17, and 15. All four have been charged with three counts of first-degree murder, with additional charges pending. One of the 17-year-old suspects, Gustavo Dominguez-Puga, is alleged to have shot Dominick Estrada multiple times, including a fatal shot to the head. The suspects attempted to dispose of the firearms used in the shooting, with one juvenile seen discarding a bag containing guns into a dumpster. Police recovered four handguns believed to be used in the incident.
The community of Las Cruces has been deeply affected by this senseless act of violence. Memorials have been established at Young Park to honor the victims, and local authorities are working diligently to ensure justice is served. The incident has also prompted discussions on public safety and gun control measures within the state.
