Las Cruces, NM — What was meant to be a casual gathering turned into every American’s worst nightmare on Friday night when gunfire erupted during a car show at Young Park. The mass shooting left three people dead and at least fifteen others wounded in one of the deadliest acts of violence in Las Cruces history.

Local authorities say the shooting began at approximately 10:10 p.m. on Friday, March 21, when an altercation between two groups escalated during the event, which drew an estimated 200 people. Dozens of rounds were fired, causing panic as attendees scrambled for cover.

By the time the chaos subsided, three lives had been lost:

• Andrew “AJ” Madrid, 16
• Jason Gomez, 18
• Dominick Estrada, 19

Fifteen others, ranging in age from 16 to 36, were hospitalized with injuries of varying severity.

Over the next 48 hours, four suspects—all under the age of 21—were taken into custody. All four face open counts of murder and additional charges. Prosecutors have indicated they plan to try the juvenile suspects as adults.

On Tuesday, Judge Grace B. Duran ruled that the three teens will remain in custody pending trial, calling them a danger to the community. The fourth suspect is being held at the Doña Ana County Detention Center.

The motive behind the shooting remains unclear.

Despite the scale of the tragedy, the incident has received little national attention, something residents have found deeply frustrating.

As vigils are planned and families begin to bury their dead, many in Las Cruces are calling not just for justice, but for recognition. Recognition that their community matters. That their pain matters. That their children deserve to be safe, and when they’re not, that someone should say their names.

AJ. Jason. Dominick.

They were here. They were loved. And they should still be with us.