Mesilla Park Man, 18, Booked on Aggravated Battery in Salopek Park Shooting

Allegedly... Elijah Malachi Sambrano, 18, of Mesilla Park, was booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center on Jan. 28, 2026. Registered under booking number 2600000689, he faces felony charges of aggravated battery that may cause death or great bodily harm and aggravated assault. He was taken into custody at locations on East Picacho and Copper Loop in Las Cruces and is currently held without bond. According to news reports, Sambrano was identified as the second suspect arrested in connection with a fatal shooting at Salopek Park that claimed the life of a 19-year-old. Court and news records indicate the investigation into the incident is ongoing, with additional allegations including tampering with evidence. At the time of his arrest, reports noted that Sambrano was on juvenile probation. The charges are allegations, and Sambrano is presumed innocent unless and until a court finds otherwise.