LAS CRUCES, N.M. — In the quiet desert city of Las Cruces, a night of terror unfolded as gunfire shattered the peace at Young Park, claiming the lives of three young men and leaving 14 others wounded. Among the fallen were two 19-year-olds and a 16-year-old boy, their lives cut short in a barrage of bullets that erupted around 10 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025. The scene was one of chaos and heartbreak, as captured in raw video footage showing panicked crowds scattering, some diving behind cars for cover while the sharp cracks of gunfire pierced the air. For a community that prides itself on its tight-knit bonds and serene landscapes along the Rio Grande, the violence has left an indelible mark, a wound that will take time to heal.
Authorities have identified Gabriel Rickman as a suspect in this devastating mass shooting, though details about his motives or whereabouts remain elusive. Law enforcement officials are working tirelessly, chasing down every lead in an effort to bring clarity and justice to a city reeling from the tragedy. The Las Cruces Police Department, bolstered by the New Mexico State Police, the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, has descended upon the scene, determined to piece together the events that led to this horrific outburst. As of Saturday morning, March 22, no arrests have been made, but the investigation is intensifying with each passing hour.
Young Park, a popular spot at 850 S. Walnut St., had drawn a large crowd that evening, reportedly for a gathering centered around modified sports cars—a monthly event that typically buzzes with the energy of enthusiasts showing off their vehicles. What began as a celebration of horsepower and camaraderie quickly turned into a nightmare. Witnesses described a sudden escalation, possibly sparked by an altercation, though police have yet to confirm the exact trigger. The parking lot, usually filled with the roar of engines, became a battlefield as dozens of shots rang out in rapid succession. The aftermath left a trail of blood and shattered lives, with victims ranging in age from 16 to 36 years old.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly, triaging the wounded under the glare of flashing lights. Most of the injured were rushed to hospitals in Las Cruces, where medical staff worked frantically to save lives. Others, in more critical condition, were transported across the state line to University Medical Center in El Paso, a regional trauma hub equipped to handle the severity of their injuries. By early Saturday, the grim toll became clear: three young men had succumbed to their wounds, while 14 others fought to recover from the physical and emotional scars inflicted that night.
The Las Cruces Police Department has been tight-lipped about the identities of the victims, respecting the privacy of grieving families as notifications are made. Meanwhile, the community is grappling with a mix of shock and sorrow. City Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem Johana Bencomo took to social media to express the collective anguish, noting that such a tragedy feels both unthinkable and, in today’s world, all too possible. Her words resonate with many residents who have long cherished Las Cruces as a safe haven, a place where the Chihuahuan Desert meets small-town warmth, just 41 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border.
Investigators are now appealing to the public for help. They’ve urged anyone with information—whether firsthand accounts or video evidence—to come forward. A dedicated line, (575) 526-0795, has been set up for tips and for families desperate to learn the fate of loved ones. Police have also provided a website where bystanders can upload footage that might shed light on the suspect or the sequence of events. The area around Young Park remains cordoned off, its streets eerily silent as detectives comb through evidence, searching for answers.
For now, Las Cruces mourns. The loss of three young lives and the trauma inflicted on so many others have cast a shadow over this vibrant community. As the investigation presses on, residents are left to wrestle with the question of how such violence could erupt in their midst—and what it will take to ensure it never happens again. The pursuit of Gabriel Rickman continues, a name now tied to a night that will forever alter the story of this desert city.