Judge Denies Release of Teen Suspects in Las Cruces Park Mass Shooting, with Victims Named: Andrew “AJ” Madrid, Jason Gomez, and Dominick Estrada Among the Deceased, as Families and Community Seek Justice

In a pivotal ruling on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the Doña Ana County District Court, Judge Grace B. Duran denied the release of three teenagers accused of involvement in the tragic mass shooting that claimed the lives of Andrew “AJ” Madrid, Jason Gomez, and Dominick Estrada. The shooting, which took place on March 21, 2025, at Young Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico, has left the community reeling from the devastating loss and the injuring of 15 others.

The accused—15-year-old Josiah Ontiveros, 17-year-old Gustavo Dominguez, and 17-year-old Nathan Giovani Rivas—each appeared separately at their detention hearings in the Doña Ana County District Court, where they were clad in brown jail-issued jumpsuits and restrained with handcuffs. The proceedings were somber, and each of the three suspects remained silent throughout the hearing, offering only fleeting glances at their family members in attendance. However, despite the heavy emotions in the room, they were not permitted to communicate with their families during the proceedings.

Judge Duran’s ruling came after careful consideration of the gravity of the case and the potential risks posed by releasing the suspects. She emphasized that the primary responsibility of the court was to ensure public safety and protect the community, particularly in light of the loss of three lives and the severe injuries sustained by 15 others. Her decision reflects both the nature of the crime and the perceived risk of retaliation should the suspects be allowed to walk free before their trial.

“I have a duty to protect this community, and the community is crying for justice,” Judge Duran stated firmly during the hearing. “I cannot ignore the loss of lives and the 15 others still fighting for theirs. There is a risk of retaliation, so perhaps the safest place for them is to remain in detention.”

The victims of the shooting were identified by the Las Cruces Police Department as 16-year-old Andrew “AJ” Madrid, 17-year-old Jason Gomez, and 19-year-old Dominick Estrada. The shooting has not only devastated their families, but has also sent shockwaves throughout the entire Las Cruces community. The incident, which occurred on the evening of March 21 at the normally peaceful Young Park, has been described as senseless and horrifying, with many now calling for swift justice and accountability.

The tragic event unfolded when gunfire erupted at Young Park, an area often frequented by teenagers and families. Witnesses reported seeing multiple suspects firing at a group of individuals before fleeing the scene, leaving behind chaos, fear, and heartbreak.

As law enforcement investigates the incident, District Attorney Fernando Macias has announced that first-degree murder charges, along with potential conspiracy charges, will be pursued against all four individuals involved in the shooting. In addition to the three juveniles—Ontiveros, Dominguez, and Rivas—20-year-old Tomas Rivas, who is also connected to the incident, faces three counts of murder.

“The evidence presented demonstrates that these individuals pose a serious risk of harm to both themselves and the community,” District Attorney Macias remarked after the detention hearing. “This is a senseless act of violence that cannot be overlooked. My office is committed to ensuring that those who commit such heinous acts are held accountable.”

The case has sparked significant tension within the community. Both the victims’ families and the suspects’ families have reportedly been the subject of threats in the aftermath of the shooting. The Las Cruces Police Department has confirmed that there has been an ongoing risk of retaliation, which only strengthens the case for keeping the suspects in custody. The families of the victims have expressed a deep desire for justice, seeking a thorough investigation and appropriate legal action to hold the perpetrators responsible.

The families of the victims, who were present during the proceedings, remained mostly quiet as they absorbed the implications of the ruling. Their grief and anguish were palpable as they silently processed the judge’s decision. As the court session concluded, they stood together in solidarity, united by their loss and their fight for justice for their loved ones.

“It’s been devastating,” said one relative of the deceased, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “Our family has lost a part of us, and no one should have to go through this. We just want to see justice served.”

For many in Las Cruces, the shooting has become a symbol of growing concerns about safety in the community, particularly among youth. The city has long been known for its tight-knit neighborhoods and peaceful atmosphere, but this event has shaken that sense of security to its core.

“We’re a small community,” said a local resident who has lived in Las Cruces for over 20 years. “This kind of violence is not something we’re used to. People here look out for each other, and now it feels like that’s been taken away from us.”

The shooting at Young Park has sparked renewed conversations about violence among young people in Las Cruces, as well as the access to firearms and the ease with which they can be used to carry out violent acts. As the case continues to unfold, many are asking questions about the factors that contributed to the tragic loss of life and the wider issue of juvenile crime in the region.

The incident has also led to an outpouring of support for the victims’ families, as local organizations and community leaders rally together to provide assistance. Several GoFundMe campaigns have been established to help cover funeral expenses for the victims and medical bills for the survivors.

Additionally, the tragic events have sparked calls for stronger community outreach and intervention programs aimed at preventing youth violence and promoting positive activities for young people in Las Cruces.

The city has seen an uptick in violent crime in recent years, though the mass shooting at Young Park is the most high-profile example of youth-related violence in recent memory. Many are calling for increased mental health services, youth programs, and measures to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.

The trial for the suspects in the case is expected to be a long and arduous process. No additional court dates have been scheduled at this time, but both the prosecution and the defense are preparing for a highly contentious legal battle. It is expected that the cases will be further complicated by the involvement of minors, as well as the potential for heightened media attention and public outcry.

At the heart of this case, however, remains the heartbreak of the victims’ families. For them, the legal proceedings are about much more than just a courtroom. It is about ensuring that their loved ones’ lives are remembered and that those responsible for their deaths are held to account.

Andrew “AJ” Madrid, Jason Gomez, and Dominick Estrada may no longer be with their families, but they will not be forgotten. Their names have been etched into the hearts of those who loved them, and the community will continue to seek justice on their behalf. As the case moves forward, the pursuit of justice will be a testament to their lives, and to the resilience of a community that refuses to allow such a tragedy to go unanswered.

The fate of the three teen suspects—Ontiveros, Dominguez, and Rivas—now rests in the hands of the court. But for many in Las Cruces, the focus will remain on the victims and their families, and on ensuring that justice is served.