Two arrested in mass shooting in Las Cruces, New Mexico, that left at least three dead

A shooting Friday night at a park in Las Cruces, New Mexico, left at least three people dead and 15 wounded. Among the victims was an 18-year-old, according to the Las Cruces Police Department.

The three deceased victims, aged between 16 and 19, have been identified as Andrew Madrid, 16, Jason Gomez, 18, and Dominick Estrada, 19. Madrid and Gomez died at the scene, while Estrada later succumbed to his injuries at MountainView Regional Medical Center.

The victims of the attack range in age from 16 to 36 years old. Among the injured are nine men and six women. Seven were treated at the scene, while five others were transported to local hospitals and El Paso for further medical care. Their identities have not been released to protect their privacy.

Two arrested, one of them a minor

Police arrested two suspects on Saturday afternoon. Tomas Rivas, 20, and a 17-year-old were both charged with three counts of murder.

The investigation is ongoing, and officials have urged any witnesses with recorded footage to contact authorities.

"The investigation so far reveals that there was an altercation between two groups of people and that altercation escalated to gunfire between both groups," said Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story. He also confirmed that an unsanctioned car show had taken place prior to the shooting.

The attack occurred at Young Park, located at 850 S. Walnut St., after 10 p.m. Friday night. The park is an outdoor recreation area frequently visited by young people.

The investigation is being carried out with the collaboration of the New Mexico State Police, the Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office, the FBI, and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Las Cruces Councilwoman and Interim Mayor Johana Bencomo expressed her sorrow over the tragedy saying, "Part of me wanted to write that this is something you never really think this is going to happen in your city, but that actually feels deeply untrue. Honestly now days a tragedy like this feels like a nightmare just waiting to come true at any possible moment, yet also always praying and hoping it never will."