Las Cruces Jury Convicts 18-Year-Old of 3 First-Degree Murders in Young Park Shooting

Nathan Rivas found guilty in 2025 incident that killed 3 teens and injured over a dozen others

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A Las Cruces jury has convicted 18-year-old Nathan Rivas of three counts of first-degree 'depraved mind' murder for his role in a 2025 shooting at Young Park that left three teenagers dead and more than a dozen others injured. Rivas was one of four defendants charged in the incident, which prosecutors say was part of a planned attack on one of the victims. The jury deliberated for less than an hour and a half before reaching the verdict.

Why it matters

The Young Park shooting was a tragic incident that shook the Las Cruces community, raising concerns about gun violence and the safety of public spaces. The convictions of Rivas and his co-defendants aim to hold those responsible accountable and provide some closure for the victims' families.

The details

Prosecutors said the four defendants, including Rivas, carried out a plan to kill 19-year-old Dominick Estrada, which led to a gunfight in a crowd of over 100 people at the park. Estrada was struck several times and killed, while two other teens, 16-year-old Andrew 'AJ' Madrid and 17-year-old Jason Gomez, who had no connection to the conflict, also died from gunshot wounds. Rivas was charged with first-degree 'depraved mind' murder, meaning he could be convicted for all three deaths even if he did not directly kill the victims, as long as the jury found he participated in, encouraged, and assisted in Estrada's murder.

  • The shooting occurred on March 21, 2025 during an informal car meetup in the parking area of Young Park.
  • Rivas' trial took place in February 2026, with the jury reaching a verdict in less than an hour and a half.

The players

Nathan Rivas

An 18-year-old who was convicted of three counts of first-degree 'depraved mind' murder for his role in the 2025 Young Park shooting.

Dominick Estrada

A 19-year-old who was the intended target of the planned attack that led to the Young Park shooting.

Andrew 'AJ' Madrid

A 16-year-old who was killed in the Young Park shooting, despite having no connection to the conflict.

Jason Gomez

A 17-year-old who was killed in the Young Park shooting, despite having no connection to the conflict.

Fernando Macias

The Doña Ana County District Attorney who praised the 'incredibly fast' verdict and expressed confidence in obtaining convictions against the other defendants.

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What they’re saying

“The level of evidence and the understanding, especially, that the actions of one defendant applies to the actions of the others — I think that that instruction, that understanding, is what contributed to the jury being able to arrive at a very quick verdict.”

— Fernando Macias, Doña Ana County District Attorney (abqjournal.com)

What’s next

The two remaining defendants, Josiah Ontiveros and Gustavo Dominguez, are scheduled to stand trial in April and July, respectively.

The takeaway

The swift conviction of Nathan Rivas highlights the gravity of the Young Park shooting and the determination of prosecutors to hold all those responsible accountable for the tragic loss of life. This case underscores the need for continued efforts to address gun violence and ensure the safety of public spaces in Las Cruces and beyond.