Las Cruces community in shock after deadly park shooting

Las Cruces, New Mexico – A night of gathering and community was shattered by gunfire on Friday, 22 March, when a shooting at a local park left three people dead and 14 others injured, police confirmed. The victims include two 19-year-olds and a 16-year-old, while those wounded range in age from 16 to 36.

The incident occurred around 10:00 p.m. at Young Park, a popular recreational spot in the city. Authorities have yet to announce any arrests but say the investigation is moving swiftly. The Las Cruces Police Department is “actively following multiple leads” and has called on the public to assist, asking anyone with video evidence of the incident to upload it to a secure portal set up for the case.

Roads around Young Park remain closed as officers process the scene. The investigation has expanded with support from New Mexico State Police, Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Local officials have spoken out, including City Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem Johana Bencomo, who described the event as “a heinous act of violence that will leave our city mourning.” She urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation and emphasized the need to support the victims and their families in the difficult days ahead.