Las Cruces Park Shooting: Three Dead,

Las Cruces, NM - A tragic mass shooting rocked the quiet desert city of Las Cruces, New Mexico, late Friday night, leaving three young lives lost and a community grappling with grief. The incident, which unfolded around 10 p.m. at Young Park, claimed the lives of two 19-year-old men and a 16-year-old boy, while injuring at least 14 others. As of Saturday morning, no arrests have been made, and authorities are urgently seeking answers in what has been described as a “heinous act of violence.”

The shooting occurred during an unsanctioned car show at Young Park, a popular gathering spot near the parking lot on 850 S. Walnut St. Witnesses reported that an altercation between two groups escalated into a chaotic exchange of gunfire, with bullets flying through the crowd of approximately 200 attendees. Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story confirmed that multiple firearms were involved, leaving behind a sprawling crime scene marked by 50 to 60 shell casings scattered across the park and nearby streets.

Emergency responders arrived swiftly, finding multiple victims with gunshot wounds. The injured, ranging in age from 16 to 36, were rushed to local hospitals, including Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces and the University Medical Center of El Paso, the regional trauma center. Six patients arrived at Memorial Medical Center, with five later transferred to El Paso for advanced care. Four of the wounded have since been treated and released, according to Las Cruces Fire Chief Michael Daniels.

The identities of the victims have not been released as authorities work to notify families and piece together the events that led to the tragedy. “This was a senseless act of violence that has torn at the fabric of our community,” said Mayor Eric Enriquez in a somber statement. “Today, we mourn, but we also stand together to heal and demand justice.”

City Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem Johana Bencomo took to Instagram to express the collective heartache, writing, “Part of me wanted to say you never think this will happen in your city, but that feels deeply untrue. My heart is broken for the victims and families impacted.” Her words echoed a growing sentiment that such violence, while shocking, is an all-too-familiar nightmare in modern America.

Police are now appealing to the public for help, urging anyone with video footage or information to come forward. A dedicated website has been set up for submissions, with authorities particularly interested in recordings that capture the shooting or individuals wielding firearms. The investigation has drawn support from multiple agencies, including the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New Mexico State Police, and the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office.

Young Park and its surrounding roadways remain closed as investigators comb the scene for clues. Chief Story noted that unsanctioned car shows like the one Friday night have long posed challenges for law enforcement, often attracting illegal activity and firearms. “We’re determined to find those responsible and bring them to justice,” he vowed during a Saturday press conference.

The tragedy has reverberated beyond Las Cruces, with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham calling it “heartbreaking and horrifying.” She pledged state resources to aid the investigation and highlighted a disturbing 46% rise in violent crime in Las Cruces over the past year, underscoring the urgent need for action. 17GEN4.com