Josiah Ontiveros Sentenced to 90 Years in Prison for Deadly Young Park Shooting

Las Cruces, NM – The Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday that Josiah Ontiveros was sentenced to 90 years in prison for his role in the 2025 Young Park mass shooting that killed three people and injured several others.

During the shootout at Young Park, Dominick Estrada was shot several times. While he was lying on the ground with several gunshot wounds, Ontiveros walked closer to him and shot him in the head. Dominick Estrada died from Ontiveros’ gunshot.

“While the others were running away, he went forward and toward Dominick Estrada,” said District Attorney Fernando Macias. “Ontiveros fired 17 times total that night, emptying his weapon. He had no remorse and no empathy for human life.”

During the sentencing hearing, Dominick Estrada’s sister addressed the court through a letter.

“Josiah showed a complete disregard for human life,” wrote Becky Arzabal. “He didn’t just shoot my brother; he executed him while Dominick laid there posing no threat.”

Ontiveros, 17, was 15 years old at the time of the shooting and was the youngest defendant. He was prosecuted under the New Mexico juvenile code, which means he will be eligible for parole in 25 years.

“Since being held pending sentencing, Ontiveros has been involved in seven different physical altercations at the Doña Ana County Detention Center,” said District Attorney Macias. “This 90-year sentence sends a dangerous individual to prison, making the community safer.”

Ontiveros is one of four defendants convicted of three counts of first-degree murder in connection with the shooting and is the third defendant to be sentenced. Earlier this year, Tomas Rivas and Gustavo Dominguez also received three consecutive life sentences, totaling 90 years each, for their role in the shooting.

Sentencing for Nathan Rivas is scheduled for Oct. 9, 2026. Macias is also seeking a 90-year sentence for him.

These cases were prosecuted by Doña Ana County District Attorney Fernando Macias and Chief Deputy District Attorney Spencer Willson and investigated by the Las Cruces Police Department.