Las Cruces Judge Upholds Young Park Murder Conviction for Tomas Rivas

Rivas alleges misconduct but judge denies new trial request

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:09am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the gritty investigation into the Young Park shootout.The investigation into the 2025 Young Park shootout has raised questions about police procedures and jury impartiality.Las Cruces Today

A Las Cruces judge has upheld the first-degree murder conviction of Tomas Rivas for his role in a 2025 shootout at Young Park that left three people dead. Rivas had sought a new trial, citing lack of evidence, police errors, and possible jury misconduct, but the judge ruled the jury's verdict would stand.

Why it matters

The case highlights the complexities of New Mexico's 'depraved mind' first-degree murder statute, which allows for convictions even without proof the defendant directly caused a death. It also raises questions about police conduct and jury impartiality in high-profile criminal trials.

The details

Rivas was one of four defendants convicted in the Young Park shootout, which killed Dominick Estrada, 19; Andrew 'AJ' Madrid, 16; and Jason Gomez, 17. Prosecutors said Rivas and the others went to the park armed, planning to kill Estrada. Rivas argued there was no evidence he fired a fatal shot, and that the jury lacked proof he intended to cause the deaths. The judge, however, ruled the 'depraved mind' statute's requirements had been met.

  • The shootout occurred on March 21, 2025 at Young Park in Las Cruces.
  • Rivas was convicted by a jury in February 2026.
  • Rivas filed motions seeking a new trial or to overturn the conviction on April 11, 2026.
  • The judge ruled to uphold the conviction on April 11, 2026.
  • An evidentiary hearing on alleged jury misconduct is set for May 7, 2026.

The players

Tomas Rivas

The 21-year-old defendant convicted of three counts of first-degree murder for his role in the 2025 Young Park shootout.

Thomas Clark

Rivas' defense attorney who argued the jury lacked sufficient evidence to convict him of first-degree murder.

Fernando Macias

The district attorney who insisted the evidence showed Rivas intended to kill Dominick Estrada.

Judge Douglas Driggers

The district judge who ruled the jury's verdict would stand and scheduled an evidentiary hearing on alleged jury misconduct.

Andrew Contreras

The Las Cruces Police detective who led the investigation into the Young Park shootings.

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What they’re saying

“Without proof linking a fatal projectile to Rivas' firearm – or proof that he intentionally aided and caused another to commit the fatal act – the State failed to establish proximate cause beyond a reasonable doubt.”

— Thomas Clark, Defense Attorney

“Rivas was doing everything he could to kill Dominick Estrada and the statute's requirements had been met.”

— Fernando Macias, District Attorney

What’s next

The judge has scheduled an evidentiary hearing for May 7, 2026 to examine Rivas' claim that the jury foreperson exchanged text messages with a non-jury member about the case during the trial. If the judge finds misconduct, it could lead to a new trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities of New Mexico's 'depraved mind' first-degree murder statute and raises questions about police conduct and jury impartiality in high-profile criminal trials. The upcoming evidentiary hearing on alleged jury misconduct will be closely watched as Rivas pursues an appeal.