Four Las Cruces Teens Plead Not Guilty in Young Park Shooting That Left Multiple Injured; All Suspects to Be Tried as Adults in Shocking Case of Youth Gun Violence

LAS CRUCES, NM — April 7, 2025 — Four teenagers charged in connection with a recent shooting at Young Park in Las Cruces have officially pleaded not guilty to all charges in a case that has gripped the southern New Mexico community. Despite their young ages, all four suspects are being charged and prosecuted as adults due to the severity of the alleged crimes.

The incident took place on March 17, 2025, during what was supposed to be a festive St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Young Park, a central community gathering space. What began as a peaceful evening quickly turned violent when shots rang out near the playground and pavilion areas, sending families running for cover and causing widespread panic.

The Shooting and Its Aftermath

According to police and witness accounts, a dispute escalated between two groups, resulting in gunfire that left multiple victims injured, including a 16-year-old boy who sustained critical injuries. Surveillance footage, combined with social media activity and witness testimony, helped Las Cruces Police quickly identify and apprehend the suspects.

The four individuals arrested were initially held at a juvenile detention facility, but within days, the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office confirmed that each would face charges in adult court. They have been identified as:

• Elijah Romero, 16
• Marcos Ortega, 15
• Devin Chavez, 16
• Jayden Martinez, 17

Each teen is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, and conspiracy to commit a violent felony. Given the nature of the attack and the location — a public park filled with families and children — prosecutors argued successfully for the case to be transferred to adult court.

Court Appearance and Pleas

During a packed court appearance this week at the Doña Ana County Courthouse, each of the four teens entered a plea of not guilty. They appeared in shackles and standard-issue detention uniforms, flanked by defense attorneys and surrounded by heavy security.

Attorneys for the defense have already begun to challenge aspects of the case, suggesting that some of the teens may have been present but not active participants in the shooting, or that evidence was mishandled during the arrest process. However, prosecutors maintain they have strong video evidence, forensic data, and digital records that tie each suspect to the crime.

Assistant District Attorney Lina Gomez stated:

“This was not a random act of violence. It was a premeditated, reckless decision that endangered dozens of innocent people. We are pursuing justice for the victims and for the community that was traumatized by this event.”

Community Response and Safety Concerns

The shooting sent shockwaves throughout Las Cruces, especially as it happened in a location where families routinely gather. Local leaders have since increased police patrols at parks and public areas and are calling for new youth violence prevention strategies.

Mayor Ken Miyagishima issued a statement following the court appearance:

“We cannot accept a reality where our parks become sites of fear and violence. We will continue to work with law enforcement, educators, and parents to address the roots of youth crime in our city.”

In the wake of the shooting, Young Park temporarily closed for cleanup and investigation but has since reopened with enhanced lighting and visible security.

What Comes Next

The court has set preliminary trial dates for later this summer, though proceedings may be delayed due to the complexity of trying multiple defendants. Prosecutors are reportedly considering whether to pursue gang-related enhancements to the charges, as there are indications that some of the suspects may have ties to local street gangs.

If convicted on the most serious charges, the teens could each face decades in prison.

The case has reignited conversations in New Mexico and across the U.S. about the rise of gun violence involving young people, the ethics of trying juveniles as adults, and the responsibilities of communities to intervene before tragedy strikes.