Accused Young Park shooter takes stand, says he returned fire after being shot at

Josiah Ontiveros testifies he shot back after victim Dominick Estrada opened fire on him during chaotic car meet incident.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:50pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing, its metallic surface reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the physical evidence at the center of the Young Park mass shooting investigation.A stark, gritty image of physical evidence from the Young Park mass shooting investigation, exposing the harsh realities of gun violence.Las Cruces Today

Josiah Ontiveros, one of the accused shooters in the 2025 Young Park mass shooting that left 3 dead and 15 injured, took the stand in his own defense on Thursday. Ontiveros testified that he shot back at victim Dominick Estrada after Estrada shot at him first, saying he was 'in shock' and 'scared' for his life. Ontiveros refused to disclose what happened to the gun he used, citing concerns for his family's safety.

Why it matters

The Young Park shooting was one of the deadliest incidents of gun violence in recent memory for the Las Cruces community. Ontiveros' testimony provides a new perspective on the events that unfolded that night, raising questions about the circumstances that led to the tragic loss of life.

The details

Ontiveros told the court that a family member of Nathan Rivas, one of the convicted gunmen, approached the family of victim Dominick Estrada and said they did not want any trouble. Estrada responded that he did not care. Ontiveros then testified that he shot Estrada because Estrada shot at him first, saying 'I was in shock, I was scared to be honest- I couldn't believe what just happened. I felt like I should've stayed, but I feel like I would've died if someone had shot me.'

  • The shooting happened during an unsanctioned car meet at Young Park in March 2025.
  • Ontiveros took the stand in his own defense on Thursday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Josiah Ontiveros

One of the accused shooters in the 2025 Young Park mass shooting, who took the stand in his own defense and claimed he shot back at victim Dominick Estrada after Estrada shot at him first.

Dominick Estrada

A victim who was killed in the 2025 Young Park mass shooting, whom Ontiveros claimed shot at him first before Ontiveros returned fire.

Nathan Rivas

One of the convicted gunmen in the 2025 Young Park mass shooting, whose family member allegedly approached the Estrada family and said they did not want any trouble.

Fernando Macias

The Dona Ana County District Attorney who questioned Ontiveros about what happened to the gun he used the night of the shooting.

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What they’re saying

“I was in shock, I was scared to be honest- I couldn't believe what just happened. I felt like I should've stayed, but I feel like I would've died if someone had shot me.”

— Josiah Ontiveros, Accused shooter

“To be honest, I remember after he shot at me I shot back- because I didn't wanna die, I was really scared- I didn't want him to die either- I didn't want anyone to die either.”

— Josiah Ontiveros, Accused shooter

What’s next

The trial of Josiah Ontiveros is ongoing, and the jury will continue to deliberate on the evidence and testimony presented.

The takeaway

Ontiveros' testimony provides a new perspective on the events that unfolded during the Young Park shooting, raising questions about the circumstances that led to the tragic loss of life. The case highlights the complex and often chaotic nature of gun violence incidents, and the need for continued efforts to address the root causes and prevent such tragedies from occurring.