In the early hours of a summer Sunday in Las Cruces, New Mexico, the life of 23-year-old Hispanic female, Jacinya Pena, was tragically cut short. On June 23, 2024, at approximately 12:30 a.m., a violent encounter unfolded at the intersection of Avenida del Sol and Cortez Drive on the city's East Mesa. Jacinya was in a vehicle with her 26-year-old brother, Jonathan Pena, when they were both struck by gunfire.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, but Jonathan was pronounced dead at the
location. Jacinya was transported to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. A third individual in the vehicle, a 15-year-old girl seated in the back, sustained relatively minor injuries from shrapnel. The siblings' mother, Kathy Pena, was left to mourn the sudden and violent loss of two of her children.
The Las Cruces Police Department launched an investigation into the double homicide, canvassing for information and seeking assistance from the public. Despite their efforts, the individual or individuals responsible for the deaths of Jacinya and Jonathan Pena have not been identified, and no arrests have been made in connection with the case. The suspect or suspects remain at large. Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding the shooting to come forward as the investigation continues.
