Tragedy Strikes New Mexico Car Show: 3 Young Lives Lost, 15 Injured in Deadly Shooting

LAS CRUCES, NM – A night of automotive enthusiasm turned into a scene of devastating violence in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on Friday, March 21, 2025. A mass shooting at an unsanctioned car show held in a city park claimed the lives of three young individuals and left fifteen others wounded, according to law enforcement officials.

The deceased have been identified as a 16-year-old boy, an 18-year-old, and a 19-year-old. The fifteen individuals injured in the incident ranged in age from 16 to 36, highlighting the wide demographic impact of the sudden burst of violence that shattered the event.

Unsanctioned Gathering Becomes Scene of Tragedy

The event, described by authorities as an unsanctioned car rally, drew approximately 200 people to the park on that ill-fated Friday night. Such gatherings, while popular among car enthusiasts, often lack formal organization and security measures, potentially creating environments susceptible to unforeseen dangers.

Initial reports and preliminary findings suggest the shooting erupted following an altercation that escalated between two distinct groups attending the rally. The specific nature of the dispute and the identities of those involved remain central to the ongoing investigation.

Casings and Casualties: A Violent Aftermath

The immediate aftermath saw a chaotic scene as emergency responders arrived. Investigators at the scene recovered a significant amount of evidence related to the gunfire – specifically, they found between 50 and 60 handgun caliber shell casings scattered across the area where the shooting occurred. This substantial number of casings indicates an intense exchange of gunfire, underscoring the severity and scale of the violence.

The fifteen individuals who sustained injuries were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment. Their conditions and the full extent of their injuries have not been publicly disclosed, though authorities have confirmed the age range of those injured.

Law Enforcement Responds, Investigation Underway

Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story addressed the media following the tragic event, confirming the fatalities and injuries and outlining the initial steps of the investigation. Chief Story stated unequivocally that the investigation is currently ongoing.

Police are actively working to piece together the sequence of events that led to the shooting. This involves interviewing witnesses who were present at the car show, collecting and analyzing physical evidence from the scene, and reviewing any potential surveillance footage that might exist from the park or surrounding areas.

Search for Suspects Continues

A primary focus for investigators is the identification and apprehension of the individuals responsible for the shooting. Chief Story confirmed that authorities are diligently searching for the suspects involved in the deadly incident. Given the scale of the violence and the number of people present, the process of identifying suspects from an unsanctioned, large gathering presents significant challenges for law enforcement.

The community of Las Cruces is grappling with the shock and sorrow resulting from this tragedy. The loss of three young lives and the injury of many others at what was intended to be a social gathering has cast a pall over the city. As the investigation continues, residents await answers and justice for the victims and their families.

The authorities have urged anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward and assist the investigation, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in bringing those responsible to justice. The park where the incident occurred remained a secured crime scene for a significant period as forensic teams processed the area for evidence.

The full circumstances surrounding the altercation and the subsequent gunfire are still under intensive review by the Las Cruces Police Department. The motive behind the shooting remains a key piece of information that investigators are seeking to determine as they continue their search for the suspects.