SPARKS, NV — A devastating shooting at the Grand Sierra Resort on Monday, July 28, 2025, claimed the lives of three individuals and left three others injured, shaking the Reno-Sparks community. The Sparks Police Department (SPD), leading the investigation, has released details about the victims, the suspect, and the unfolding of this tragic event, while the motive remains under investigation.
**Victims Identified Amid Community Grief
The victims killed in the shooting have been identified as 33-year-old Justin Aguila, 33-year-old Andrew Canepa, both from Southern California, and 66-year-old Angel Martinez, a Reno-Sparks resident. Aguila and Canepa, who were in Reno for a bachelor party, were shot from behind while waiting in the resort’s valet area for a ride to the airport. Martinez was ambushed while driving through the parking lot, away from the resort, when the suspect, hiding behind a car, opened fire.
Three others were injured in the attack. Two victims remain in critical condition at Renown Regional Medical Center, while one has been treated and released. Among the injured is Matt Sitler from Ventura County, who is in critical but stable condition after being struck by multiple gunshots. At least four of the victims, including Canepa and Sitler, were part of a group of 13 Ventura County men returning home from the bachelor party.
Andrew Canepa, co-owner of Side Street Café in Newbury Park, California, was remembered as a kind-hearted community member and devoted father to his 6-year-old son. “The whole community knew Andrew,” said Israel Rodriguez, a community representative for Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Gorell. “He always greeted you with a warm smile.” Canepa was also an advocate for victims of gun violence, having supported fundraising efforts for the 2018 Borderline Bar & Grill shooting in Thousand Oaks.
**Suspect in Custody, Investigation Ongoing
The suspect, 26-year-old Dakota Hawver of Reno, was shot by Reno Police Department officers and is currently hospitalized in critical condition. According to Sparks Police Chief Chris Crawforth, Hawver walked through the parking lot for about 45 minutes before approaching the valet area around 7:25 a.m. He pointed a handgun at a group of people, but the weapon initially malfunctioned. After fixing it, he fired multiple rounds, striking five people. As he fled north through the parking lot, Hawver exchanged gunfire with a resort security guard, who was unharmed, before fatally shooting Martinez, who was driving by. When Reno police arrived, Hawver fired at them, striking a patrol car. Multiple officers returned fire, wounding him.
Authorities have not disclosed whether Hawver used a 9mm handgun or the exact number of rounds fired, but they confirmed he carried multiple magazines of ammunition. There is no information indicating whether the firearm was legally purchased or if Hawver had a criminal record or documented mental health issues. Sparks Police have stated there is no known connection between Hawver and the victims or the Grand Sierra Resort, and the motive for the attack remains unknown.
**Law Enforcement and Community Response
The Sparks Police Department is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, as the Reno Police Department’s involvement in shooting the suspect requires an independent probe. Six Reno officers involved in the incident have been placed on standard administrative leave, and one officer, likely injured by glass fragments, was treated and released. Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance praised the officers’ bravery, stating, “Their rapid response stopped the suspect’s rampage, which definitely saved lives.”
The Grand Sierra Resort expressed heartbreak over the “senseless violence” and gratitude for the swift actions of its armed security team and the Reno Police Department. The resort remains operational, though the northwest valet and west parking lot are closed, with employees directed to use the Greg Street entrance.
Local leaders, including Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve and Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, offered condolences and commended first responders. “Tragedies like this are horrific for any community to endure,” Nance said at a July 28 news conference. Reno City Councilmember Devon Reese called the incident “yet another act of senseless gun violence,” highlighting its impact on the community. A multifaith candlelight vigil, organized by Hindu statesman Rajan Zed and Unity Minister Toni King, was held on Wednesday, July 30, at 5:30 p.m. at the Unity Center of Reno to honor the victims.
**Community Impact and Call for Information
The shooting has left the Reno-Sparks community reeling, particularly as it occurred at a prominent resort known for hosting concerts, sporting events, and tourists. Witnesses described chaos and fear, with guest Christina Martinez narrowly escaping danger moments after getting coffee near the valet area. “I feel very blessed, but that’s kind of why I had a panic attack,” she said. Another guest, Michael Sisco, heard “unmistakable gunshots” and saw a victim crawl to safety.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenge of gun violence, with officials and residents emphasizing the need for community cooperation to ensure public safety. Sparks Police are urging anyone with information to contact them at (775) 353-2231 or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900, with anonymous tips accepted at secretwitness.com.
**Moving Forward
As the investigation continues, authorities are reviewing surveillance footage, conducting interviews, and analyzing evidence to uncover the circumstances leading to this tragedy. The Sparks Police Department is committed to seeking justice for the victims and preventing future incidents. The community, meanwhile, mourns the loss of Aguila, Canepa, and Martinez, with tributes like flowers and candles appearing outside Canepa’s Side Street Café.
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the importance of vigilance and unity in the face of violence. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
