LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Three teenagers charged in connection with the deadly Young Park mass shooting will remain in custody after a judge ruled Tuesday they pose too great a risk to public safety. Doña Ana County District Judge Grace B. Duran ordered 17-year-olds Gustavo Dominguez and Nathan Giovani Rivas, along with 15-year-old Josiah Ontiveros, held without bond during their detention hearings.
The suspects face three counts each of first-degree murder for the March 21 shooting that killed Andrew “AJ” Madrid, 16; Jason Gomez, 17; and Dominick Estrada, 19. Fifteen others were wounded in the attack. A fourth defendant, 20-year-old Tomas Rivas, also remains jailed on murder charges as prosecutors consider adding conspiracy counts.
During emotional proceedings, the teenage suspects appeared in brown jail jumpsuits, silent except for occasional glances at family members. Judge Duran cited community safety concerns and potential retaliation risks in her decision. “The community is crying for justice,” Duran said. “I cannot ignore the loss of lives.”
District Attorney Fernando Macias praised the ruling, vowing to pursue maximum accountability. “Our office recognizes the severity of this incident,” Macias told reporters. Prosecutors revealed both the defendants and their families have received threats since the shooting.
The case has sent shockwaves through Las Cruces, with victims’ families packing the courtroom Tuesday. Many wore shirts bearing photos of the slain teens as Judge Duran announced her decision. Community members have planned a memorial walk this weekend at Young Park, where makeshift shrines continue growing.
All four defendants are scheduled for preliminary hearings in April. If convicted as adults, the teenage suspects could face life sentences under New Mexico’s revised juvenile sentencing laws.
