Reno, Nevada — A shooting outside the Grand Sierra Resort on Monday left three people dead and several others injured, prompting an intense police response and raising questions about the shooter’s motive. Authorities have identified the victims as Justin Agulia, 33, and Andrew Canepa, 33, both from Southern California, and Angel Martinez, 66, a local resident.
Details released by the Sparks Police Department indicate that Agulia and Canepa were in Reno to celebrate a bachelor party. They were waiting in the valet area for a ride to the airport when a gunman opened fire from behind them. Martinez was driving away from the resort when he was unexpectedly attacked.
Officers from various law enforcement agencies responded within three minutes of the initial shots. During the confrontation, the gunman, identified as Dakota Hawver, 26, was shot by police and remains in critical condition. He reportedly fired about 80 rounds from a 9mm handgun, which he legally acquired two years ago, along with recently purchased ammunition.
The incident also left three others injured, with two victims in critical condition. Details about these individuals remain scarce as the investigation continues. Authorities have found no evidence linking Hawver to the Grand Sierra Resort or any of the victims, raising further concerns about the random and violent nature of the attack.
Hawver has no prior criminal or mental health history, according to officials. The lack of a clear motive compounds the tragedy surrounding the shooting, leaving family and friends seeking answers.
In the wake of the incident, community members shared memories of the victims. Andrew Canepa was remembered as a beloved business owner of Side Street Café in Newbury Park. Jeff Gorell, a local supervisor, described him as a compassionate and dedicated individual, stating that his absence would be felt deeply by the community.
Rick, a close friend of Canepa, expressed his shock over the loss. He recalled Canepa as a warm and welcoming person, whose positive spirit positively influenced those around him.
As the community grieves and the investigation unfolds, officials continue to search for further details about the shooting and its perpetrator, striving to understand what led to this violent outburst that has shaken the Reno area.