1st Suspect in Young Park Shooting to Face Trial Next Week

Tomas Rivas, the oldest of four defendants, will stand trial starting Monday, February 9.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 7:31pm

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One of the four suspects in the mass shooting at Young Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico last year will stand trial beginning Monday, February 9. Jury selection is set to start for the trial of Tomas Rivas, who was 20 years old at the time of the shooting. Rivas was indicted on first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder charges, along with his brother Nathan Rivas, Gustavo Puga Dominguez, and Josiah Ontiveros, who were 17 and 15 at the time of the incident.

Why it matters

The Young Park shooting was a tragic event that left three people dead and 15 others injured. This trial marks the first of the four defendants to face justice, and will likely provide more details and insight into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The details

The shooting occurred on March 21 during an unauthorized car show at Young Park in Las Cruces. Two groups of people got into an altercation that escalated into gunfire. Tomas Rivas, the oldest of the four defendants at 20 years old, is the first to stand trial for the crimes.

  • The shooting happened on March 21 at Young Park in Las Cruces.
  • Jury selection for Tomas Rivas' trial is set to begin on Monday, February 9.

The players

Tomas Rivas

The oldest of the four defendants, who was 20 years old at the time of the shooting and is the first to face trial.

Nathan Rivas

The brother of Tomas Rivas, who was also indicted in the shooting.

Gustavo Puga Dominguez

One of the four defendants, who was 17 years old at the time of the shooting.

Josiah Ontiveros

One of the four defendants, who was 15 years old at the time of the shooting.

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What’s next

The judge will oversee the trial of Tomas Rivas, which is set to begin on Monday, February 9 with jury selection.

The takeaway

This trial marks the first step in seeking justice for the victims of the tragic Young Park shooting. The outcome of this case will likely have significant implications for the other three defendants and the community as a whole.