Las Cruces Against Gun Violence

04/03/2026

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Boy, 13, Injured in Shooting

Las Cruces police have arrested a 13-year-old boy suspected of shooting his friend, also 13, Monday evening at a home on the 2900 block of Petunia Lane.

The 13-year-old victim was airlifted to University Medical Center of El Paso in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the back of his head. The suspect, a frequent runaway who has been known to possess fi****ms, was located and detained by police soon after the incident.

Shortly before 10:30 p.m. Monday, March 30, 2026, Las Cruces police were dispatched to the report of a gunshot victim at a home on Petunia Lane. While en route to the scene, police learned the parents of the victim were attempting to transport their son to the hospital.

Police met the vehicle on Picacho Avenue where officers, fire and ambulance personnel rendered aid. The boy was subsequently airlifted to El Paso.

Officers located the 13-year-old suspect near Picacho Middle School where he was detained. Police have also located the firearm believed to be used in the crime.

The 13-year-old suspect, who police will not publicly identify because of his age, currently faces charges of negligent use of a deadly weapon and minor in possession of a deadly weapon. The Juvenile Probation Office has authorized detention of the suspect.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible.

03/01/2026

Here. Hold this accountability! Justice. Served. 🧡🧡

Second Suspect Found Guilty in New Mexico Park Mass Shooting That Killed 3

On March 21, 2025, gunfire erupted during an unsanctioned car meet at Young Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico, after an altercation between two groups escalated into a shooting. Three people were killed and 15 others were injured.

The victims were identified as 19-year-old Dominick Estrada, 16-year-old Andrew Madrid, and 18-year-old Jason Gomez.

On February 26, 2026, a Dona Ana County jury found 18-year-old Nathan Rivas guilty on three counts of first-degree murder under the theory of depraved mind murder. Prosecutors argued Rivas’ actions demonstrated a total and deadly indifference to the value of human life.

Rivas was 17 at the time of the shooting but was tried as an adult. He faces a potential life sentence for each count. Sentencing will be scheduled after completion of a pre-sentence report.

Earlier this month, Rivas’ older brother, 21-year-old Tomas Rivas, was also found guilty on three counts of first-degree murder in connection with the same shooting.

Trials for the remaining two suspects are scheduled for April and July.

— Illicit Deeds | Criminal Case Coverage

03/01/2026

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Suspect Charged in Amador Avenue Shooting

The man believed to be responsible for Tuesday’s deadly shooting on west Amador Avenue has been arrested and charged with voluntary manslaughter.

Gino Pina, 26, was arrested Tuesday evening and charged with a felony count of voluntary manslaughter.

Shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, Las Cruces police were dispatched to the report of a confrontation between two men on the 900 block of west Amador Avenue. Officers arrived to find a 53-year-old man on the ground suffering from at least one gunshot wound.

The victim, who was armed with a knife and identified as 53-year-old Marco Antonio Rodarte, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers located Pina nearby, safely disarmed him and took him into custody as part of the investigation.

During the course of the investigation, evidence led detectives to believe that Pina taunted and actively instigated the confrontation with Rodarte before discharging his handgun.

Pina was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he is initially being held without bond.

03/01/2026

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