A tragic shooting outside Reno, Nevada’s largest casino claimed the lives of three individuals, including two young men visiting for a bachelor party, highlighting the sudden and devastating impact of gun violence.
Authorities identified the two 23-year-old victims as Justin Aguila and Andrew Canepa from Southern California, who were fatally shot from behind while awaiting transportation to the airport after their bachelor party celebration. The third victim was 66-year-old Angel Martinez, a local Reno resident, who was tragically killed while driving through the parking lot.
The alleged gunman, 26-year-old Dakota Hawver, a Reno resident, is in critical condition after being shot by police. Investigators from Sparks, leading the probe, have yet to establish any connection between Hawver, the Grand Sierra Resort, or the victims, leaving the motive behind the horrific event unknown.
Police revealed that Hawver used a legally purchased 9mm handgun and fired approximately 80 rounds from multiple magazines. Despite the extensive gunfire, Hawver reportedly had no prior criminal record or history of mental health issues, a detail that has added to the perplexity surrounding the incident.
The shooting unfolded around 7:30 a.m. on Monday, beginning when the assailant approached the valet area and brandished his weapon. After an initial malfunction, the gunman managed to fire multiple shots before engaging an armed casino security guard in the parking lot, who returned fire as the suspect attempted to flee.
Beyond the fatalities, two individuals remained hospitalized but are expected to recover fully from their injuries. Furthermore, three others received treatment at the casino for minor injuries, including a bullet graze, severe anxiety, and an injury sustained while running from the scene, according to local health officials.
The Grand Sierra Resort, a significant landmark in Reno and a popular tourist destination near Lake Tahoe, boasts Northern Nevada’s largest casino floor and nearly 2,000 hotel rooms. This tragic event has cast a pall over a venue typically associated with entertainment and leisure, raising concerns for public safety.
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