LAS CRUCES, N.M. – In a courtroom packed with grieving families and local officials, a judge handed down three consecutive life sentences to Nathan Rivas, the last of the four Young Park shooters to be sentenced. The decision follows a jury conviction on three counts of first‑degree murder for the March 21, 2025 mass shooting at an unsanctioned car show in Young Park.
Details of the sentencing
Rivas, who was 17 at the time of the attack, received a total of 90 years in prison, reflecting the severity of the crime and the community’s insistence on accountability. The sentencing aligns with the convictions of the other three shooters:
- Tomas Rivas, Nathan’s older brother, was convicted of three counts of first‑degree murder and sentenced in July 2025.
- Gustavo Domínguez, also 17 at the time, was sentenced in early September 2025 to three consecutive life terms, or 90 years, under New Mexico’s juvenile code, with parole eligibility after 25 years.
- Josiah Ontiveros, the youngest shooter at 15, received a 90‑year sentence on September 30, 2025 after being convicted under the depraved‑mind statute.
The court emphasized that the sentences reflect both the loss of three innocent lives and the lasting impact on more than a dozen survivors who were injured in the shooting.
Victims and community response
The tragedy claimed the lives of three teenagers: Andrew Madrid, Jason Gomez, and Dominick Estrada. Their families, along with dozens of community members, gathered outside the courthouse to honor the victims and to call for continued vigilance against violent crime.
Local law‑enforcement officials praised the thorough investigation that led to the convictions, noting that the case demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated police work across city and state agencies. The Las Cruces Police Department highlighted the importance of community cooperation in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Legal context
New Mexico law treats first‑degree murder as a capital offense, but the state’s moratorium on the death penalty means life imprisonment remains the maximum penalty. The three consecutive life terms ensure that Rivas will remain incarcerated for the remainder of his natural life, providing a measure of closure for the families.
Under the state’s juvenile code, both Domínguez and Ontiveros were tried as juveniles, which allows for parole eligibility after a set period. However, the severity of the crime and the multiple homicide convictions resulted in the longest possible sentences under that framework.
Looking ahead
City leaders have pledged to support the victims’ families through counseling services and community outreach programs. Mayor Ken Miller announced plans to work with local churches and faith‑based organizations to provide spiritual support and practical assistance to those still coping with the aftermath.
“Our community has endured an unspeakable tragedy, and we will not forget the lives lost,” Miller said. “We stand together, guided by our faith and our commitment to protect our families and neighborhoods.”
The sentencing marks the final chapter in the Young Park case, but it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for strong community ties, vigilant law‑enforcement, and the moral resolve to safeguard our neighborhoods.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
