LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO – A tragic shooting erupted at Young Park in Las Cruces on Friday night, leaving three people dead and at least 14 others wounded, according to local authorities. The violent incident unfolded during a gathering of car enthusiasts, where modified sports cars were showcased in a monthly event.
Details of the Shooting
The shooting occurred around 10 p.m. in the park’s parking lot, which was packed with nearly 200 attendees. Witnesses described a chaotic scene where gunfire broke out following an argument among individuals at the event. The sudden eruption of bullets sent people scrambling for safety, with many diving behind vehicles or fleeing the area in panic.
Police confirmed that three young males lost their lives in the attack. Two of the victims were 19 years old, while the third was a 16-year-old. The injured, ranging in age from 16 to 36, were rushed to hospitals for emergency treatment. Some of the critically wounded were transported to the University Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, for specialized care.
Andrew Cummins, a spokesperson for Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, reported that the hospital received six gunshot victims, five of whom had to be airlifted to El Paso due to the severity of their injuries.
Witnesses Recall Horror at the Scene
Attendees described the night as initially festive, filled with the sounds of revving engines and car enthusiasts discussing their vehicles. However, the atmosphere turned deadly when shots rang out.
Angel Legaspy, a 20-year-old whose car was hit by bullets, recalled how quickly the situation escalated. “It was just a normal car meet, and suddenly there were gunshots everywhere. He described the scene as chaotic, with people shouting and rushing in all directions to find safety.
Manuel Urbina, a visitor from Wyoming who was attending the event out of curiosity, described the horrifying moment. “One second, we were all just watching the cars, and the next, people were running for their lives,” he said. Urbina recounted seeing a young man lying motionless on the ground as he searched for a way to escape the chaos.
Some witnesses reported that one of the shooters appeared to be carrying an assault-style weapon, and the gunfire seemed indiscriminate, striking vehicles and bystanders alike.
Search for the Suspects and Police Investigation
Law enforcement officials have not yet identified any suspects or a clear motive behind the shooting. Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage and urging anyone who may have recorded videos or taken pictures to share them with authorities.
Danny Trujillo, a public information officer for the city, confirmed that detectives are working to determine how the violence unfolded and who was responsible. “We are asking for the public’s help. If anyone has any footage of the incident or saw anything suspicious, we urge them to come forward,” he said.
Reaction from City Officials and Community
The tragic shooting has left the Las Cruces community in mourning, with city leaders expressing their sorrow and concern over the increasing violence. Mayor Pro Tem Johana Bencomo spoke out about the incident, calling it a devastating act of violence.
“This was a senseless tragedy that has shaken our community,” she stated. “It’s important for us to unite and stand by the victims and their families during this difficult time.”
New Mexico has faced rising violent crime rates in recent years, with reports indicating that the state’s violent crime rate in 2023 was nearly double the national average. State officials, including Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, have made crime prevention a major focus, but challenges remain.
Las Cruces, in particular, has experienced a troubling surge in violent crime. Earlier this year, the city gained national attention when a local police officer, Jonah Hernandez, was fatally stabbed while responding to a routine call. Recent reports suggest that violent crime in the city has increased by 46 percent compared to the previous year.
A Community Seeking Answers
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, residents are left grappling with the reality of yet another act of gun violence in their city. The event, which was meant to bring car enthusiasts together, turned into a nightmare that will not be forgotten anytime soon.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouraged to contact local law enforcement as the search for answers and justice continues.