Las Cruces Man, 18, Convicted of Manslaughter in Fatal Park Shooting

Apolinar Rosales, 18, of Las Cruces, was booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center on Sept. 6, 2025, following his arrest at a residence on La Fonda Circle. Rosales was originally charged with voluntary manslaughter, tampering with evidence, and resisting or obstructing an officer in connection with booking number 2500007507. Records indicate he was held without bond following the incident. According to news and court records, the case stemmed from a fatal shootout at Salopek Park that resulted in the death of a 19-year-old woman. Reports show that Rosales was the first of two suspects arrested in the investigation. He ultimately entered a guilty plea to charges including involuntary manslaughter, tampering with evidence, and the unlawful carrying of a handgun. Court and news records indicate Rosales was convicted in this case.