SoCal Residents Among Victims in Reno Mass Shooting for Bachelor Party

Victims of Reno Casino Shooting Include Southern California Residents

Several victims of a mass shooting that occurred at a Reno casino this week were residents of Southern California who had traveled to the area for a friend's bachelor party. The incident, which left multiple people injured and some deceased, unfolded in the early hours of Monday morning, marking a tragic event that has shaken both the local community and those from afar.

The violence began just after 7:30 a.m., when police reported that the gunman, identified as Dakota Hawver, 26, a Reno resident, entered the valet area of the Grand Sierra Resort. According to accounts from friends of the victims, Hawver approached a group of individuals from Thousand Oaks, California, who were visiting for the bachelor party. The shooter, who had no known criminal or mental health history, had legally purchased a 9-millimeter handgun two years prior.

During the encounter, the weapon malfunctioned, causing the group to scatter. However, the shooter quickly reloaded and resumed firing. The attack resulted in several casualties, with some of the victims being close friends and former high school classmates.

Andrew Canepa, 33, was among those killed in the incident. He was described by friends as a devoted father and an owner and server at the Side Street Cafe in Newbury Park. Another victim, Justin Agulia, 33, was also fatally shot. Agulia, a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union, had recently become engaged to his longtime girlfriend. Dylan McLean, another member of the group, was shot in the shoulder but managed to escape the scene and seek medical attention.

McLean's survival was a critical moment during the chaos, as he called his friend Matt Sitler, who had been seriously injured and was hiding from the gunman. Sitler, also from Thousand Oaks, was hospitalized in critical condition and placed on life support. After undergoing surgery to remove his spleen, he was able to breathe on his own. His first words upon regaining consciousness were, “Is Andrew OK?”

The group targeted in the shooting were all graduates of Thousand Oaks High School, with many having played high school sports together. They had stayed at an Airbnb near Lake Tahoe before spending Sunday night at the casino to be closer to the Reno airport. On Monday, they checked out of their hotel and were waiting at the valet station for rides to the airport when the attack occurred.

In the midst of the chaos, a casino security guard intervened and shot at Hawver, forcing him to flee. As he ran, he encountered a vehicle in the parking lot and opened fire, killing the driver, Angel Martinez, 66, of Reno. Martinez's family shared their grief online, seeking help to cover funeral costs. His niece, Becka Gonzalez, described him as a loving family member with a passion for cooking and a long career in restaurants and casinos.

Police have not found any connection between Hawver and the victims, and no motive has been established. Sparks Police Chief Chris Crawforth stated at a news conference that there was no known motive by the suspect. The Grand Sierra Resort, one of the largest hotel and casino complexes in Reno, remained open and operational following the incident.

Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance expressed her sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing that violence is unacceptable in public spaces. The incident has left a lasting impact on the community, with many mourning the loss of lives and reflecting on the need for greater safety measures in public areas.