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- calendar_today October 9, 2026
Nathan Rivas Sentenced in Young Park Shooting Case
Nathan Rivas, one of four individuals convicted in connection with the March 2025 Young Park mass shooting, was sentenced to three consecutive life terms on Friday, October 9, 2026. The sentencing took place before New Mexico District Judge Douglas Driggers.
Details of the Young Park Shooting
The Young Park shooting resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to fourteen others. The incident, described as a mass shooting, occurred in a crowded public setting and had a profound impact on the local community. Rivas and his co-defendants were prosecuted on multiple charges, including first-degree murder.
Criminal Conviction and Court Proceedings
In February 2026, Nathan Rivas was found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder related to the shooting. During sentencing, District Attorney Fernando Macias emphasized Rivas's actions, stating, “He easily could have run away without engaging, but he didn’t. He turned around and started shooting into the crowd with complete disregard for the hundreds of people there.”
Evaluations and Additional Sentencing Details
Prior to sentencing, Rivas was evaluated and it was reported that he has a low IQ. The doctor who conducted the evaluation described his ability to process challenges as “non-existent.” Despite these findings, Rivas was held fully accountable for his role in the deadly attack.
Other Defendants in the Case
Nathan Rivas was the final defendant to receive a sentence in the Young Park shooting case. His brother, Tomas Rivas, was also convicted of three counts of first-degree murder and received three consecutive life sentences in July 2026. Gustavo Dominguez, who was 17 at the time of the shooting, was tried as an adult and sentenced in September 2026 to three consecutive life terms as well. Josiah Ontiveros, who was 15 during the incident, was found guilty under a “depraved mind” and was sentenced to three life sentences on September 30, 2026.
District Attorney's Statement and Community Impact
District Attorney Fernando Macias commented on the outcome of the case, stating, “These sentences represent justice and accountability. We hope this becomes an opportunity to re-educate our community and make better efforts to intervene to keep incidents like these from occurring in this community.” The case highlighted ongoing community concerns about safety and the importance of intervention and support to prevent future tragedies.
Source: krqe.com.
