Las Cruces Against Gun Violence

04/03/2026

👀👀

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

😢😢

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

👀👀

12/20/2025

😳🥺 this is tragic 🧡

Police Investigate Deadly Shooting

Las Cruces police are investigating a shooting that claimed the life of a 28-year-old woman late Friday afternoon on the 1100 block of Berkshire Court.

The woman, whose identity will not be released until next of kin are properly notified, was shot inside the home.

The initial call came in about 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.

The suspect, a 38-year-old man, barricaded himself inside the home. LCPD called out its SWAT, hostage negotiation and K-9 teams and attempted to make contact with the suspect, but to no avail.

About 7:30 p.m., SWAT team members entered the home and found the suspect dead from what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police are still investigating the incident.

No other information is available at this time, and likely won’t be until Monday.

11/19/2025

Great job Las Cruces Police 👏🏾 sad to see how youn young the perp is but accountability is everything!
Blessings and love to the victims family 💐🧡

Police Arrest Teenager in Deadly Shooting

Police have arrested a 16-year-old Las Cruces boy in connection with the Nov. 15 shooting that killed a 21-year-old man and injured three others during a house party on the 2400 block of Bugatti Drive.

The juvenile suspect was taken into custody by Las Cruces Police Department detectives about 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, on the 1800 block of north Mesquite Street. He has been charged with one count of murder and three counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Because of his age, police will not publicly identify him.

The suspect has since been turned over to custody of the Doña Ana County Detention Center’s juvenile facility.

Police said the arrest was made possible through numerous videos and photographs submitted by the public, many of which were recorded by witnesses during the incident. Investigators said these digital submissions were instrumental in identifying the suspect.

The Las Cruces Police Department thanks those who assisted with this investigation. Police continue to urge anyone with additional information to contact LCPD or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers of Las Cruces at 1-800-222-8477.

11/18/2025

Shooting Leaves One Man Dead, Three Injured

Las Cruces police are investigating a shooting that occurred late Saturday during a house party on the 2400 block of Bugatti Drive, leaving one man dead and three people injured.

Officers were dispatched at 11:46 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, after reports of multiple gunshots at a large gathering. When police arrived, they found a 21-year-old man who had been shot at least once. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Three additional victims suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to area hospitals. Their conditions have not been released.

Detectives learned that several people attending the party were seen recording the incident on their cell phones. Investigators believe those videos could be critical in identifying suspects and understanding what led to the shooting.

The Las Cruces Police Department is urging anyone who captured video, or has information about the incident, to contact investigators. Video uploads can be submitted online at https://bit.ly/3LAGQRY.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Las Cruces police at 575-526-0795 or share tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Las Cruces and Dona Ana County at 1-800-222-8477.

11/08/2025

🙏🏾🧡

Police Investigate Double Shooting Outside Local Bar

Las Cruces police are investigating a double shooting in the parking lot of a local bar that resulted in the death of one man and injuries to another.

Shortly before 2 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, Las Cruces police and fire were dispatched to the report of shots fired with injuries in the parking lot of Whiskey Dicks, 101 E. Union Ave.

Police learned that two men, ages 28 and 37, were involved in a physical confrontation in the parking lot. At some point, the 37-year-old armed himself with a firearm and discharged at least one round that struck the 28-year-old man. Police learned an unknown person then shot the 37-year-old before fleeing from the area.

Both victim and suspect were transported to local hospitals where the 28-year-old man succumbed to his injuries. The 37-year-old man remains hospitalized and in custody.

Police are still trying to identify the person who shot the suspect and fled from the crime scene.

Anyone with information that may help police is asked to call (575) 526-0795.

Deputies from the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the immediate aftermath of this incident.

10/26/2025

Police Arrest Suspect Who Shot Friend Monday Morning

Las Cruces police have arrested an 18-year-old man suspected of shooting his teenage friend after the two conspired to steal fi****ms from someone’s home.

Evan Gabriel Martinez is charged with felony counts of attempted murder and tampering with evidence. He was arrested Monday and is currently being held without bond at the Dona Ana County Detention Center.

About 2:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, Las Cruces police were dispatched to an area near the intersection of Galina Drive and Arena Drive where a 15-year-old boy was suffering from a gunshot wound. The boy was transported to University Medical Center of El Paso with serious injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

Investigators learned Martinez and the 15-year-old boy were friends and had been planning to commit a residential burglary to steal fi****ms. Martinez and the boy met up before the planned burglary and that’s when the teenager was shot once.

Martinez fled the area but was later located at his father’s home on the 3700 block of Agate Street. He was taken into custody without further incident.

Detectives are continuing their investigation into this case.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Las Cruces police at (575) 526-0795.

09/25/2025

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 Hold him accountable! JUSTICE FOR ALEJANDRO‼️🧡

Police Arrest Suspect in June 2 Road Rage Homicide

Las Cruces police have arrested an 18-year-old man who is believed to be responsible for the June 2, 2025, road rage fatal shooting of 14-year-old Alejandro Roman.

LCPD police located the 18-year-old suspect Thursday morning at a business off Highway 70 in Las Cruces. He was taken into custody without incident.

Police will not identify the suspect at this time pending further investigation. It is anticipated he will be charged with multiple felonies in relation to the June shooting.

Detectives are continuing their investigation and will provide more information when it becomes available.

The shooting occurred about 9 p.m. Monday, June 2, 2025, near the intersection of Solano Drive and Spruce Avenue. Investigators believe the shooting was a result of road rage between occupants of the two vehicles. It claimed the life of Roman who was a backseat passenger of a vehicle driven by a parent.

Investigators believe the suspect was driving a white mid-size sport utility vehicle.

09/14/2025

💔 In Loving Memory of Julia Clark 💔

We are deeply saddened by the loss of 19-year-old Julia Clark, who tragically passed away following the shooting at Salopek Park on September 4th. Our hearts go out to Julia’s family, friends, and the entire Las Cruces community during this incredibly difficult time.

We also keep in our thoughts the young man who was injured and wish him a full and speedy recovery.

Let us honor Julia’s memory by standing together as a community against violence. Drop a 🧡 to send love!