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LAS CRUCES, N.M. — A tragic shooting at Young Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico, left three people dead and 15 others injured on Friday night, authorities confirmed. The violence erupted around 10 p.m. during an unauthorized car show that had drawn roughly 200 attendees.
Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story said officers arrived to find chaos, with victims ranging in age from 16 to 36. Two 19-year-old men and a 16-year-old boy were killed, while several others suffered gunshot wounds. Investigators recovered 50 to 60 shell casings, all from handguns, indicating multiple shooters from two rival groups.
Las Cruces Fire Chief Michael Daniels reported that seven victims were treated at the scene, while 11 were rushed to area hospitals or transferred to the University Medical Center of El Paso. By Saturday, seven remained in El Paso for treatment, while four had been released.
Authorities are still searching for suspects and are urging witnesses to come forward with video footage or other evidence. “We will find each and every one of them and hold them accountable,” Story vowed.
Officials acknowledged that illegal car gatherings at Young Park have been a recurring issue, with past events drawing a larger police presence. However, due to understaffing, no officers were available to monitor the area on Friday night. Plans to install new surveillance technology in city parks have yet to be implemented.
In response to the tragedy, Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez urged the community to support the victims and their families. “We need to stand strong and come together,” he said. City Councilor Johana Bencomo echoed the grief, calling the event a nightmare come true.
The shooting has reignited debates over public safety and gun violence in New Mexico. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham recently signed a legislative package aimed at tackling crime, including stricter penalties for drug trafficking and vehicle theft, as well as a ban on devices that convert firearms into automatic weapons.
As police continue their investigation, Young Park remains closed, with officials warning that processing the large crime scene will take time.
