Suspect in Reno casino triple shooting had no known connection to victims
Share and Follow

The suspect accused of opening fire at a casino in Reno, Nevada, on Monday was identified as a local resident with no known connections to the victims, authorities reported on Tuesday.

Sparks police announced that the deceased individuals were Southern California residents Andrew Canepa and Justin Aguila, both aged 33, along with Angel Martinez, a 66-year-old from northwest Nevada.

According to a police statement, Aguila and Canepa were in Sparks attending a bachelor party. The two men were shot from behind while they were waiting in the valet area at the Grand Sierra Resort for a ride to Reno-Tahoe International Airport, as stated by the police department.

gsr casino reno nevada shooting investigation
An investigator walks past police vehicles during an investigation into a shooting at GSR Casino in Reno, Nev., on Tuesday.KCRA

Jeff Gorell, a Ventura County, California, supervisor and former deputy mayor of Los Angeles, said on Facebook that Canepa was a co-owner of Side Street Café in the Newbury Park community, about 40 miles west-northwest of downtown Los Angeles.

Gorell described Canepa as the father of a young son and a “kind soul.”

“We will miss seeing his warm presence at the restaurant and are deeply saddened by this loss,” he said.

Martinez was ambushed in the parking lot as he drove away from the casino, Sparks police said. The gunman was hiding behind a vehicle before he emerged to open fire, it said.

Three other people were injured in the shooting, with one treated at a hospital and released and two remaining under medical care Tuesday but expected to recover, the police department said.

The suspect was identified as Dakota Hawver, 26, from adjacent Reno, with no criminal or mental history of note, police said.

gsr casino reno nevada shooting investigation aerial
Police stand near evidence markers as they investigate the shooting Tuesday.KCRA

“Investigators have not found any connections to the Grand Sierra Resort or any of the victims, and his motive is unknown,” police said.

The attack, reported just before 7:30 a.m. Monday, unfolded as a gunman on foot and armed with a legally purchased 9 mm semiautomatic handgun opened fire on people gathered near the valet stand, police said.

The weapon apparently jammed, but only briefly, Sparks Police Chief Chris Crawforth said Monday.

As the gunman left, he shot at a security guard, who returned fire, police said. When officers arrived, he exchanged gunfire with them and was critically injured, police said.

The suspect remained hospitalized Tuesday, Sparks police said.

The police department has launched an investigation into the attack and any possible motive.

Grand Sierra Resort, a high-rise hotel and casino that often books top touring music and comedy acts, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Donald Trump tells Norway he 'no longer feels an obligation to peace'

Donald Trump Announces Shift in Peace Policy During Address to Norway

In a surprising move, former President Donald Trump has intensified his demands…
Universal Orlando visitor dies after riding Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster, state report says

Tragic Incident: Visitor Dies After Riding Universal Orlando’s Revenge of the Mummy Coaster, State Report Confirms

A 70-year-old woman tragically passed away in November following her experience on…
Judge and wife shot in broad daylight in Indiana, sparking massive multi-agency investigation

Shocking Daylight Shooting of Indiana Judge and Wife Triggers Major Multi-Agency Probe

A shooting incident on Sunday afternoon in Lafayette, Indiana, left a judge…
NYC driver shoots man in road rage tantrum then runs off on foot: cops

Road Rage Escalates in NYC: Driver Shoots Pedestrian and Flees Scene on Foot, Says Police

A Bronx driver unleashed a violent road rage incident, shooting a man…
Trump declares 'now it is time' to thwart Russian threat to Greenland

Trump Urges Urgent Action Against Russian Advances in Greenland: A Call to Protect Strategic Interests

Donald Trump has issued a fresh call to action, urging immediate measures…
Minneapolis software engineers mistaken for ICE agents while eating lunch harassed by anti-ICE crowd

Minneapolis Software Engineers Mistaken for ICE Agents Face Harassment from Anti-ICE Protesters During Lunch Break

A group of software engineers in Minneapolis faced a barrage of insults…
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor faces flood risk at his new Norfolk home

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Confronts Flood Risk at Newly Acquired Norfolk Residence

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is considering subscribing to an Environment Agency alert system due…
Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani dies aged 93

Legendary Italian Fashion Icon Valentino Garavani Passes Away at 93

The fashion world mourns the loss of a legend as renowned Italian…