Victims from Ventura County Among Reno Shooting Victims

Tragedy Unfolds at Reno's Grand Sierra Resort

On July 28, a devastating shooting occurred outside the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuring several others. The incident has left the community in shock and mourning, with families and friends of the victims struggling to process the loss.

The Sparks Police Department confirmed that one person died in the valet area, while a second victim was taken to Renown Regional Medical Center, where they later succumbed to their injuries. A driver in the parking lot was also struck by gunfire and lost their life. Two additional victims and the shooter were reported in critical condition, though one of the injured was eventually released after treatment.

Victims Identified and Their Stories

In a news release on July 29, the Sparks Police Department identified the three deceased as 33-year-old Andrew Canepa from Southern California, 33-year-old Justin Agulia (also from Southern California), and 66-year-old Angel Martinez from Reno. The department noted that the names of two other injured individuals have not been disclosed, but they are expected to recover.

Canepa and Agulia were part of a group of four Ventura County men who were returning home from a bachelor party when they were affected by the shooting. Scott Juceam of Simi Valley traveled to Reno to be by the side of his nephew, Matt Sitler, who was critically injured but stable after being shot multiple times. Sitler was among a group of 13 who attended the event.

Martinez, who was driving through the parking lot away from the building, was ambushed by the suspect, who had hidden behind another vehicle. He was shot several times before losing his life. According to his niece, Becka Gonzalez, Martinez spent decades working in restaurants and casinos in Reno and was a devoted father and grandfather.

Community Remembers the Victims

An outpouring of support has been seen for Canepa, with mourners leaving flowers and candles outside his cafe on July 29. Kristen Maldonado, who lived across the street from Canepa’s Camarillo home before he moved, shared memories of him as an incredible father who was always present for his son’s events.

Israel Rodriguez, a community field representative for District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell, described Canepa as someone who was well-known and loved in the community. He was also an advocate for victims of gun violence, helping to raise funds for those affected by previous shootings.

Reactions from Local Leaders

Reno police Chief Kathryn Nance expressed her deepest condolences to the victims and their families during a news conference on July 28. She emphasized the horror of such tragedies and praised the rapid response by law enforcement, which prevented further loss of life.

Police have not yet identified the suspect or provided details about the motive behind the shooting. However, they stated that there is no indication of a connection between the suspect and the victims at this time. The investigation is being led by the Sparks Police Department with assistance from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office.

Details of the Shooting

The shooting began around 7:30 a.m. when an unidentified man approached the valet area outside the Grand Sierra Resort and pointed a handgun at a group of people. After the gun initially jammed, the suspect managed to fire multiple times, injuring five individuals.

The suspect then moved north through the parking lot, where a GSR security officer confronted him, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Continuing north, the suspect fatally shot a driver in the parking lot. Reno police arrived shortly after and located the suspect on the northwest side of the property, where they engaged in a confrontation.

The suspect was taken into custody and transported to Renown Regional Medical Center, where he was in critical condition. The police department identified the shooter as Dakota Hawver, a 26-year-old Reno resident. He was found to have several magazines of ammunition for the gun.

Mayor Hillary Schieve urged residents to cherish their loved ones, highlighting the unpredictability of life. “Please tell your family, your loved ones, your friends that you love them every day,” she said during the news conference.