Las Cruces investigators have confirmed that a horrific mass shooting occurred at a public park, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and leaving 14 others injured. The incident unfolded around 10 p.m. on Friday, March 21, sending shockwaves through the community. Eyewitness videos shared on social media depict chaotic scenes of people fleeing for safety amid the sound of gunfire, highlighting the urgency and fear that gripped the area.
Angel Legaspy, a 20-year-old who was present during the shooting, recounted the terrifying moments, stating, “They just started shooting and they just started running around everybody.” His parked car was struck by bullets, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the attack, which he described as “like all over the place.” The emotional aftermath was palpable, with another video capturing a woman in distress over the loss of one of the victims.
The victims of this tragic event included two 19-year-old men and a 16-year-old boy. The identities of the deceased and the injured have not yet been released by police. Investigators reported that the range of the victims' ages spanned from 16 to 36 years old, highlighting the widespread impact of this violent act. Young Park and the surrounding streets have been temporarily closed as authorities conduct a thorough investigation of the crime scene.
Johana Bencomo, the Las Cruces mayor pro tem and city councilor for District 4, expressed her condolences on Instagram, stating, “This was a heinous act of violence that will leave our city mourning.” Initially, she misreported the number of wounded, but later confirmed the devastating reality of three fatalities. Eyewitnesses confirmed that multiple gunshot victims were present at the scene, with some transported to the University Medical Center of El Paso for treatment.
As the investigation unfolds, Las Cruces police are actively seeking assistance from the public. Authorities are particularly interested in any video footage captured during the incident or images of individuals carrying firearms at the park. The police have urged anyone with information to contact them at 575-526-0750. Additionally, videos can be submitted through the official police evidence upload site, which has been provided by the Las Cruces Police Department.
A car meet-up event was taking place at the park, located at 850 Walnut Street, where approximately 200 attendees had gathered. Witnesses reported that a confrontation occurred shortly before the gunfire erupted, prompting chaos as people attempted to flee. Reports indicated that at least one person was seen with what appeared to be an assault-style weapon, further complicating the investigation.
The Las Cruces Police Department is collaborating with New Mexico State Police, the Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office, the FBI, and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to bring clarity to this tragic incident. Public Information Officer Dan Trujillo has requested patience from the community as investigators work diligently to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
This tragic mass shooting in Las Cruces serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of gun violence in our society. The community remains in mourning as they seek answers and justice for the lives affected by this senseless act of violence.
