On the morning of February 10, 1990, the city of Las Cruces, New Mexico, became the unlikely setting for a heinous crime that would go down as one of the most horrific and puzzling unsolved cases in the state's history. The Las Cruces Bowling Alley Massacre, as it came to be known, involved the brutal shooting of seven people, including young children, leaving four dead and three critically injured. This tragic event not only devastated multiple families but also left a community in shock and seeking answers that have remained elusive for decades.
A Typical Saturday Morning
The day began like any other at the Las Cruces Bowl on Amador Avenue. The bowling alley was preparing to open for its regular clientele of families and bowling enthusiasts. Among those present were the establishment's manager, 34-year-old Stephanie Senac, her 12-year-old daughter Melissa Repass, and 13-year-old Amy Houser, who was helping set up for the day.
The Crime Unfolds
At approximately 8:00 AM, two men entered the bowling alley. To those present, there was no immediate indication of the horror that was about to ensue. The men, whose motives were unknown, initially appeared as regular customers. However, their intentions quickly became sinister as they brandished firearms, turning a peaceful morning into a scene of terror.
The attackers, with a chilling calmness and deliberation, opened fire on the seven people inside the bowling alley. The victims included the manager, Stephanie Senac, her daughter Melissa Repass, young Amy Houser, cook Ida Holguin, and the Teran family – Steven and his two young daughters, Paula and Valerie. The brutality of the assault was indiscriminate, sparing neither women nor children from its viciousness.
In a desperate attempt to secure money, the assailants robbed the establishment, but not content with theft alone, they proceeded to shoot each of their victims multiple times. To cover their tracks, they set fire to the office area, adding arson to their heinous acts, and fled the scene, leaving behind a tableau of carnage.
In an extraordinary act of courage and survival, 12-year-old Melissa Repass, despite her gunshot wounds, managed to crawl to the phone and dial 911. Her call brought the first responders to the scene and likely saved the lives of the three survivors. Her composed and clear communication with the 911 operator, while in a state of extreme distress and injury, was a testament to her bravery.
Emergency Response and Investigation
The 911 call made by Melissa Repass mobilized an immediate emergency response. Police officers, paramedics, and firefighters rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, they were confronted with a scene of chaos and horror. The first responders found victims in various states of injury, some tragically already deceased, and a fire that threatened to engulf the office area. Paramedics quickly tended to the survivors, administering life-saving measures amidst the devastation. Melissa Repass, Ida Holguin, and Stephanie Senac were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The firefighters efficiently extinguished the fire, which was later determined to have been set intentionally in an attempt to destroy evidence.
The Las Cruces Police Department immediately secured the crime scene, realizing the gravity and complexity of the situation. They were soon joined by investigators from the New Mexico State Police and other agencies, including the FBI. Investigators meticulously processed the crime scene, collecting evidence that included bullet casings, fingerprints, and any possible DNA traces. The layout of the scene was carefully documented, with particular attention paid to the trajectory of the bullets and the location of the victims. This evidence was crucial in piecing together the sequence of events and understanding the nature of the attack.
Law enforcement officers conducted extensive interviews with survivors and any potential witnesses. The descriptions provided by the survivors were critical in developing composite sketches of the assailants, which were subsequently released to the public in hopes of generating leads.
The investigation explored several potential motives, including robbery, as an undisclosed amount of cash was taken from the bowling alley. Investigators also considered other motives such as personal vendettas or gang-related activities. They followed up on numerous tips and leads from the public, and the case garnered substantial local and national media attention, further increasing the influx of information.
Ongoing Investigation
Decades later, the Las Cruces Bowling Alley Massacre remains an open wound for the city and the families affected. The case remains active, with law enforcement revisiting evidence and hoping that advances in forensic technology might shed new light on the crime.
The Las Cruces Bowling Alley Massacre stands as a somber reminder of the fragility of safety and the devastating impact of violent crime on communities. For the families of the victims, the survivors, and the city of Las Cruces, the search for justice continues, keeping the hope alive that one day those responsible will be brought to account for this senseless act of violence.