Jury sees gun, jacket prosecutors say Tomas Rivas hid in Young Park shooting trial

Prosecutors say evidence shows Rivas tried to conceal key items linked to the deadly shooting

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Jurors in the trial of Tomas Rivas were shown new evidence, including a handgun and a jacket investigators say Rivas tried to hide at a family member's home, as testimony continued about the shooting at Young Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico that left three people dead and several others injured last March. The jury also saw crime scene renderings showing dozens of shell casings found at the scene, which defense attorneys challenged the link to the gun prosecutors say Rivas used.

Why it matters

This trial is a high-profile case in the Las Cruces community, as the Young Park shooting left a devastating impact on multiple families. The evidence presented, including the allegedly concealed gun and jacket, could be crucial in determining Rivas' involvement and culpability in the deadly incident.

The details

During the trial, a Las Cruces Police Department detective opened a box containing a gun found in a fanny pack during a search at one of Rivas' family members' homes. Jurors were also shown a red-and-black jacket that detectives said was found during the same search, wrapped inside a pillowcase in a trash can. The jacket was presented as the clothing prosecutors say Rivas was wearing the night of the shooting. A forensic scientist later testified about DNA testing tied to the gun. Additionally, for the first time during the trial, jurors heard testimony from a victim's family member who said she saw Rivas and another man point a gun at her group, including the victim who later died.

  • The shooting at Young Park occurred in March 2026.
  • The trial for Tomas Rivas is currently underway.

The players

Tomas Rivas

The defendant on trial for his alleged involvement in the Young Park shooting.

Josiah Ontiveros

Another individual prosecutors say was involved in the Young Park shooting.

Dominick Estrada

One of the victims who was killed in the Young Park shooting.

Roslynd Archuleta

A DPS forensic scientist and expert witness who testified about DNA testing related to the gun evidence.

Dominick Estrada's aunt

A family member of one of the victims who testified that she saw Rivas and Ontiveros point a gun at her group, including Estrada, moments before the shooting.

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What they’re saying

“On item I performed serology testing and no blood testing and moved forward and DNA mixture was obtained for at least 3 individuals and the DNA ....”

— Roslynd Archuleta, DPS forensic scientist and expert witness (cbs4local.com)

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Tomas Rivas out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of forensic evidence and eyewitness testimony in building a strong prosecution against the alleged perpetrator of a deadly shooting. The concealed gun and jacket could be crucial in linking Rivas to the crime, while the victim's family member's account provides first-hand insight into the events leading up to the tragedy.