Gunman at Reno Casino succumbs to wounds, leaving behind tragedy and three casualties
In the early hours of July 31, 2025, a shocking incident unfolded outside the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada. The shooting, which took place around 7:25 a.m., claimed the lives of two individuals and left two others injured [1][2].
The victims, identified as Justin Aguila and Andrew Canepa, were 33-year-old Southern Californians who were in Reno for a bachelor party. Tragically, they lost their lives while waiting for a ride, victims of a senseless act of violence [1]. Another victim, Angel Martinez, a 66-year-old Reno resident, was ambushed in the casino parking lot and was killed during the incident.
The shooter, identified as Dakota Hawver, a 26-year-old Reno resident, opened fire into a group of people waiting at the valet. Hawver also traded fire with a casino security guard in the parking lot and fired at a Reno police car before being shot and wounded by an officer [1]. Despite the critical injuries, Hawver survived the encounter but later died overnight on July 31, 2025.
Investigators have found no connection between Hawver, the Grand Sierra, or his victims. Hawver used multiple magazines and fired 80 rounds from a 9mm handgun that he legally purchased two years ago. The motive for the shooting remains unknown [1].
GoFundMe campaigns have been established to support the families of Andrew Canepa and Angel Martinez during this difficult time. However, current details about the campaign status, such as the amount raised or ongoing activity, are not provided in the available information.
This tragic incident in Reno was one of two shootings that occurred in the United States on July 31, 2025. The other shooting, committed by Shane Tamura, a 27-year-old Las Vegas resident, resulted in the deaths of four people and himself in a Manhattan skyscraper [1].
As the community of Reno grieves, it stands united in support of the victims' families and friends. The shooting serves as a stark reminder of the senseless violence that can occur and the importance of community and support during such difficult times.
[1] Source: Reno Gazette Journal [2] Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal
- The shooting outside the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada, on July 31, 2025, resulted in the deaths of two individuals, Justin Aguila and Andrew Canepa, and injured two others.
- Another victim, Angel Martinez, was a 66-year-old Reno resident who was killed during the shooting incident.
- The shooter, Dakota Hawver, a 26-year-old Reno resident, fired 80 rounds from a 9mm handgun that he legally purchased two years ago.
- Investigators have found no connection between Hawver, the Grand Sierra, or his victims, and the motive for the shooting remains unknown.
- GoFundMe campaigns have been established to support the families of Andrew Canepa and Angel Martinez during this difficult time.
- This tragic incident in Reno was one of two shootings that occurred in the United States on July 31, 2025, the other being a shooting in a Manhattan skyscraper, committed by Shane Tamura, a 27-year-old Las Vegas resident.
- The shooting serves as a stark reminder of the senseless violence that can occur and the importance of community and support during such difficult times.
- The renewed focus on crime and justice issues, following the Reno shooting, has reignited discussions about casino culture, general news, and the overall safety of casino-and-gambling sites.
