On June 23, 2024, at about 12:30 a.m. on the East Mesa of Las Cruces, New Mexico, 23-year-old Jacinya Pena and her 26-year-old brother Jonathan Pena were shot while in a vehicle at the intersection of Avenida del Sol and Cortez Drive. Both siblings were struck by gunfire; Jonathan was pronounced dead at the scene and Jacinya was taken to a local hospital where she later died. A 15-year-old girl riding in the back sustained relatively minor shrapnel injuries.

The family’s mother, Kathy Pena, survived the aftermath; investigators from the Las Cruces Police Department canvassed the area and asked the public for help. No suspect has been identified and no arrests have been announced. The investigation into who fired on the vehicle is ongoing.

If anyone saw activity near Avenida del Sol and Cortez Drive that night or has information about this shooting, please contact the Las Cruces Police Department.