Two men, on a bachelor party outing, were unfortunately among the casualties in a recent casino shooting, as per the local police reports from Reno.
In Reno, Nevada, on July 28, 2025, a shocking incident unfolded outside the Grand Sierra Resort, the city's largest casino. The event, which has left the community in mourning, resulted in three fatalities and three injuries.
The gunman responsible for the mass shooting was identified as Dakota Hawver, a 26-year-old Reno resident. According to his ex-girlfriend, Zoe Williams, Hawver had an "incredibly aggressive," narcissistic, mean, and racist personality. Their relationship ended about five years prior, largely due to his aggressive behavior. Hawver died in the hospital after being shot by police during the incident.
The victims included two men from Southern California who were in town for a bachelor party. Tragically, Justin Aguila and Andrew Canepa, both 23 years old, were fatally shot. They were waiting in the casino's valet area for a ride to the airport when the shooting occurred. Another victim, a 66-year-old man from the Reno-Sparks area, was shot and killed while driving his car through the parking lot.
The incident began when Hawver, hiding behind a parked vehicle, opened fire on bystanders, a security guard, and a driver across the parking lot. Two other individuals, Justin Aguila and Andrew Canepa, were wounded but are expected to make a full recovery.
Investigators from the neighboring town of Sparks are leading the investigation into the motive behind the shooting. As of the latest updates, no known connection has been found between Hawver and the victims or the Grand Sierra Resort itself. The motive remains unclear.
Angel Martinez, the 66-year-old man killed in the shooting, was not part of the bachelor party group. The shooting took place in the casino's valet area.
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected by this tragic event.
[1] "Reno Mass Shooting: Suspect Identified and Motive Remains Unclear" - Reno Gazette-Journal, July 29, 2025. [2] "Three Dead, Three Injured in Reno Casino Shooting" - Associated Press, July 28, 2025. [3] "Victims of Reno Mass Shooting Identified" - KOLO 8 News Now, July 29, 2025. [4] "Reno Mass Shooting: Suspect Shot by Police, Victims Identified" - Las Vegas Review-Journal, July 28, 2025.
Despite the incident occurring in Reno, Nevada, the perpetrator, Dakota Hawver, was found to have links to the gambling scene in Las Vegas, as his ex-girlfriend, Zoe Williams, stated that he frequently visited casinos and played various casino games. On the fateful day of the mass shooting, Hawver opened fire outside the Grand Sierra Resort, the city's largest casino, where two victims, Justin Aguila and Andrew Canepa, were enjoying their vacation as part of a bachelor party.
