3 Men Killed in Reno Hotel Shooting Identified

Victims of Reno Casino Shooting Identified

Three individuals were fatally shot in a tragic incident outside a Reno casino on Monday. The victims have been identified as Justin Aguila, 33, from Southern California; Andrew Canepa, also 33, from Southern California; and Angel Martinez, 66, from Reno/Sparks. The shooter has also been identified, but the motive behind the attack remains unclear.

The shooting occurred in the parking lot of the Grand Sierra Resort. According to the Sparks Police Department, a gunman opened fire into a crowd of people. Law enforcement agencies responded swiftly, arriving within three minutes and confronting the suspect, who was subsequently shot by officers.

Aguila and Canepa were in town for a bachelor party with several friends. They were shot from behind while waiting in the valet area for a ride to the airport. Martinez, on the other hand, was driving his vehicle through the parking lot away from the building when he was "ambushed" by the suspect.

In addition to the three fatalities, three other individuals were injured, with two of them in critical condition. The genders and ages of these other victims have not been disclosed.

The suspect responsible for the shooting has been identified as Dakota Hawver, a 26-year-old resident of Reno. He has no known criminal or mental health history. Officials reported that Hawver is currently in critical condition after being shot by law enforcement. He was armed with a 9mm handgun and fired approximately 80 rounds using multiple magazines. The firearm was legally purchased two years ago, and the ammunition was recently acquired.

Investigators have stated that there is no connection between Hawver and the Grand Sierra Resort or any of the victims, according to the Sparks Police Department.

Andrew Canepa, one of the victims, was a co-owner of Side Street Cafe in Newbury Park. Jeff Gorell, a member of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, shared a heartfelt message about Canepa on Facebook. "Andrew was a kind soul, a dedicated business owner, and a loving father to his young son," Gorell said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the Side Street Café community during this incredibly difficult time. We will miss seeing his warm presence at the restaurant and are deeply saddened by this loss."

Rick, a close friend of Canepa, expressed his shock upon hearing about the shooting. "One of the nicest people you'll ever meet," Rick said of his friend. "Always very welcoming, always happy — very welcoming to the community, very supportive."

Community Reacts to Tragedy

The tragedy has left the local community in mourning. Friends, family, and colleagues of the victims have shared their condolences and memories of those lost. The impact of the shooting extends beyond the immediate victims, affecting the broader community and raising questions about public safety and the need for increased security measures in public spaces.

As investigations continue, authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and determine if there are any underlying factors that contributed to the incident. While the motive remains unclear, the focus is now on supporting the families of the victims and ensuring that such tragedies are prevented in the future.

Local leaders and community members have called for unity and solidarity in the face of this devastating event. The loss of three lives has prompted discussions about the importance of mental health resources, gun control measures, and community support systems.

As the story unfolds, it is clear that the impact of this tragedy will be felt for a long time. The community is coming together to remember the victims and to support one another during this difficult time.