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New Charges Filed in Las Cruces School Zone Shooting Incident

KVIA•Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 10:29 PM•KVIA ABC-7

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A third individual has been charged in connection with a shooting that occurred in a Las Cruces school zone on September 6, 2025. Initially, John Orta and Steven Mendoza were arrested for negligent use of a deadly weapon after being found with firearms near Hermosa Heights Elementary School. Investigations led to the identification of Luis Angel Ruiz, 22, as the shooter, who was arrested on September 24, 2025, during a DWI stop where officers discovered multiple firearms in his vehicle. Ruiz faces serious charges, including discharging a firearm in a school zone, and could face up to ten years in prison if convicted. Meanwhile, Orta has pled guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm, while Mendoza awaits trial under release conditions.

Key Details: • Shooting incident occurred on September 6, 2025, near Hermosa Heights Elementary School. • Luis Angel Ruiz arrested on September 24, 2025, during a DWI stop. • Ruiz faces charges including discharging a firearm in a school zone with potential penalties of up to ten years in prison. • John Orta pled guilty and faces up to five years in prison. • Mendoza remains under conditions of release, with his trial date yet to be scheduled.

arrest las-cruces shooting firearms school-zone

People & Organizations

Las CrucesLas Cruces Police DepartmentU.S. Attorney for the District of New MexicoJohn OrtaSteven MendozaLuis Angel RuizHermosa Heights Elementary SchoolYoung Park

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