Prosecutors in New Mexico say the evidence police have gathered in connection with a weekend shooting at a park that killed three people and injured fifteen others is “strong.”
According to recent court papers, this includes the testimony of many witnesses who recognised two of the shooters by name, as well as police officers who observed the same two defendants allegedly dropping guns at an apartment complex following the killing.
At least four persons have been detained on suspicion of murder, including Tomas Rivas (20) and three juveniles. The Associated Press normally does not name defendants under the age of 18.
Rivas, who faces three charges of open murder, appeared in court by video from jail on Monday. Prosecutors on Monday also filed a motion to keep Rivas in custody as he awaits trial, and a judge said that a hearing on his custody status is expected in the coming days. Las Cruces police, meanwhile, plan to hold a news conference Tuesday.
Authorities said Friday night’s shooting happened at Young Park, where an altercation between two groups broke out after an unauthorized car show had drawn about 200 people. In their motion, prosecutors described it as “one of the most horrific incidents to occur in Las Cruces.”
One of the witnesses told police that they saw Rivas shoot one of the victims multiple times, striking the victim in the body and head, according to prosecutors.
Content retrieved from: https://www.firstpost.com/world/prosecutors-strengthen-case-in-new-mexico-park-shooting-that-killed-3-injured-15-13874172.html.
