Jury Convicts Suspect in 2025 Las Cruces Mass Shooting

Tomas Rivas found guilty of three counts of murder for deadly attack at Young Park

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A jury has found Tomas Rivas guilty of three counts of murder for his role in a 2025 mass shooting at Young Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico that left three people dead and 15 others injured. Prosecutors said Rivas, along with three other suspects, opened fire at an unsanctioned car meet in the park on March 21, 2025, killing Dominick Estrada, Andrew 'AJ' Madrid, and Jason Gomez.

Why it matters

This verdict brings some closure to the Las Cruces community, which was shaken by the deadly attack at a local gathering spot. The mass shooting highlighted ongoing concerns about gun violence and the need for better public safety measures at community events.

The details

According to prosecutors, Tomas Rivas, along with Nathan Rivas, Josiah Ontiveros, and Gustavo Guzman, opened fire at an unsanctioned car meet in Young Park on March 21, 2025. The shooting resulted in the deaths of Dominick Estrada, Andrew 'AJ' Madrid, and Jason Gomez, and injured 15 others.

  • The mass shooting occurred on March 21, 2025 at Young Park in Las Cruces.
  • On February 17, 2026, a jury found Tomas Rivas guilty of three counts of murder for his role in the attack.

The players

Tomas Rivas

The suspect who was found guilty of three counts of murder for his role in the 2025 mass shooting at Young Park in Las Cruces.

Nathan Rivas

One of the four suspects who allegedly opened fire at the unsanctioned car meet in Young Park.

Josiah Ontiveros

One of the four suspects who allegedly opened fire at the unsanctioned car meet in Young Park.

Gustavo Guzman

One of the four suspects who allegedly opened fire at the unsanctioned car meet in Young Park.

Dominick Estrada

One of the three victims killed in the mass shooting at Young Park.

Andrew 'AJ' Madrid

One of the three victims killed in the mass shooting at Young Park.

Jason Gomez

One of the three victims killed in the mass shooting at Young Park.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Tomas Rivas' sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.

The takeaway

This verdict serves as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence on local communities, and underscores the ongoing need for comprehensive public safety measures and community-based solutions to address these issues.