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
Neighborhood in rust belt city is booming thanks to empty nesters

Rust Belt Renaissance: How Empty Nesters Are Revitalizing This Thriving Neighborhood

In a transformative shift, empty nesters are flocking to a once-gritty neighborhood…
Riverside bakery fire in McHenry, Illinois: Flames damage Riverside Bake Shop, Reese's Barkery and Pawtique; firefighter injured

Fire Engulfs Riverside Bake Shop and Reese’s Barkery in McHenry, Illinois; Firefighter Sustains Injuries

A fire erupted on Sunday afternoon in McHenry, Illinois, causing significant damage…
Viral protest video against Iran’s supreme leader sparks copycat demonstrations worldwide

Global Wave of Protests Erupts as Viral Video Challenges Iran’s Supreme Leader

A captivating video featuring an Iranian refugee setting aflame an image of…
Florida woman, 81, arrested in murder-for-hire plot after sharing plan with undercover detective, sheriff says

Florida Grandmother, 81, Caught in Undercover Sting for Alleged Murder-for-Hire Scheme

A Florida woman in her 80s found herself behind bars on Friday…
Buffalo Bills FIRE Sean McDermott after playoff loss to Denver Broncos

Buffalo Bills Part Ways with Sean McDermott Following Crushing Playoff Defeat to Denver Broncos

Sean McDermott has been relieved of his duties as the head coach…
WestJet rolls back denser seating on some planes after complaints

WestJet Listens to Passengers: Reverts to Spacious Seating on Select Flights

In response to traveler feedback, an airline has announced plans to enhance…
Grand Rapids, MI weather: 100-vehicle pileup crash closes I-196 in Hudsonville, Michigan during icy conditions, police say

Massive 100-Vehicle Crash Shuts Down I-196 in Hudsonville Amid Icy Weather Conditions

HUDSONVILLE, Mich. (WLS) — A major traffic incident occurred in western Michigan…
Florida triple murder of 3 tourists was 'senseless,' 'random,' sheriff says

Florida Sheriff Condemns ‘Senseless’ and ‘Random’ Triple Murder of Tourists in Shocking Crime

A man from Florida faces charges of shooting and killing three tourists…