
Police released video footage and 911 emergency calls Tuesday depicting chilling scenes of people running in panic as gunfire crackled in a New Mexico park where three people were killed and 15 others were wounded during an unauthorized car show.
One of the video recordings, taken by a bystander and shown by Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story at a news conference, captures a blue Mustang doing donuts in a parking lot Friday night just before gunfire erupts and people scatter.
The man recording the cellphone video is heard saying, “Oh my god, I just witnessed a murder!” before it ends. The police chief credited the man for putting his phone away and helping the wounded.
Authorities said the shooting at Young Park followed an altercation between two groups during a gathering of about 200 people. In court documents, prosecutors described it as one of the most horrific incidents to occur in Las Cruces, located about 40 miles (70 kilometers) from the U.S.-Mexico border.
Story said it was a massive and chaotic scene.
He showed police body camera footage of officers helping gunshot victims — one tends to a man shot in the arm and leg, while another wraps a bandage around a woman who is crying. An officer tells her to keep breathing and assures her things will be OK.
In one of the 911 audio recordings, the dispatcher asks a caller how many people were hurt. “I don’t know, it looks like multiple,” he says, trying to catch his breath.
Some of the wounded were bystanders who were not involved in the dispute between the two groups. Authorities said the groups had past personal issues.
“This is not a traditional active shooter event where the motive or motivation is to kill and injure as many people as you can, as quickly as you can,” Story said. “Unfortunately, the results were the same.”
Four people are facing murder charges, including three teenagers. The police chief said more arrests and charges are possible, but he did not elaborate because of the ongoing investigation.
Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez said during the news conference that hearts are heavy with sorrow in his community because of the shooting.
“Let me be clear, this incident will not be tolerated in our community,” he said. “We stand united against violence in all of its forms.”
The shooting is the latest instance of violent crime involving juveniles to rock New Mexico. From Las Cruces to Albuquerque, police chiefs and prosecutors have been pleading with the Democratic-controlled Legislature to reform the juvenile justice system and address widespread public safety concerns. Authorities say young people believe no consequences exist for criminal actions.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said lawmakers should expect a special session to address crime.


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