Teen Suspect Linked to Young Park Shooting Through Shell Casings

Prosecutors present new evidence tying 16-year-old Josiah Ontiveros to deadly attack

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:03pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single 9mm shell casing against a black background, conveying the gritty, investigative nature of the evidence presented in the Young Park shooting trial.Prosecutors say shell casings found at the scene link the 16-year-old suspect to the deadly Young Park shooting.Las Cruces Today

Prosecutors in Las Cruces, New Mexico presented new testimony and evidence on Friday that they say links 16-year-old Josiah Ontiveros to last year's deadly shooting at Young Park. A police lieutenant testified that video footage and shell casings found at the scene indicate Ontiveros likely fired multiple shots during the attack that left three people dead and 15 others injured.

Why it matters

The Young Park shooting was one of the deadliest acts of violence in Las Cruces in recent memory, sparking outrage and fear in the community. Prosecutors are working to build a strong case against Ontiveros, the youngest of four suspects charged, in an effort to hold those responsible accountable for the tragedy.

The details

During the third day of Ontiveros' trial, a Las Cruces police lieutenant testified for nearly three hours, walking jurors through video footage from the night of the shooting and identifying Ontiveros in the footage. The lieutenant said Ontiveros' movements and the number of shell casings found suggest he fired at least three rounds. Jurors also heard testimony about an analysis linking 18 shell casings to a weapon associated with Ontiveros. The medical examiner also described the fatal gunshot wound to victim Dominick Estrada.

  • The Young Park shooting occurred in 2025.
  • Ontiveros' trial began on April 3, 2026.

The players

Josiah Ontiveros

A 16-year-old facing first-degree murder charges for his alleged role in the Young Park shooting.

Lt. Peter Bradley

A Las Cruces police officer who testified about video evidence and shell casings linking Ontiveros to the shooting.

Dr. Emily Helmrich

A medical examiner and expert witness who described the fatal gunshot wound to victim Dominick Estrada.

Dominick Estrada

One of three people killed in the Young Park shooting.

Nathan Rivas

One of two brothers previously found guilty for their roles in the Young Park shooting.

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What they’re saying

“And there is Josiah Ontiveros, who is wearing a grey and black Nike tech fleece. As we zoom in, we can see he is wearing some kind of neck gaiter that stops at the jaw level, the way it was described by Mr. Morales earlier.”

— Lt. Peter Bradley, Las Cruces Police Department

“Based on where he is moving and the amount of shell casings, it is likely that Josiah Ontiveros fired 3 rounds as he is moving forward. Based off previous testimony, this is the time we believe that Mr. Ontiveros was shot in the head.”

— Lt. Peter Bradley, Las Cruces Police Department

“He had 8 total gunshot wounds, one exited the back left side of his head that was his fatal gunshot wound.”

— Dr. Emily Helmrich, Medical Examiner

What’s next

The trial of Josiah Ontiveros is expected to continue next week after the district attorney's office denied a request for a plea deal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of gun violence in Las Cruces, with prosecutors working to hold the youngest of four suspects accountable for the deadly Young Park shooting that shocked the community.