A trip to Reno for a joyous occasion turned into a devastating tragedy for Justin Aguila, a 33-year-old male, on the morning of July 28, 2025. He was in the city with a group of longtime friends to celebrate an upcoming wedding, a bachelor party that brought them from their homes in Southern California. The friends had spent time in the Truckee and Lake Tahoe area before their final night in Reno, from where they were scheduled to fly home.
As the group of friends waited for a ride to
the Reno-Tahoe International Airport in the valet area of the Grand Sierra Resort, the celebration came to an abrupt and violent end. Without any warning, a gunman opened fire on the men as they stood outside the hotel and casino. In the midst of the chaos, Aguila was struck by the gunfire. He and his friend, Andrew Canepa, also 33, were both shot from behind and killed in the attack. A third man, 66-year-old Angel Martinez of Reno, was also killed in the parking lot.
The shooter was identified as 26-year-old Reno resident Dakota Hawver. Armed with a 9mm handgun and multiple magazines, Hawver fired approximately 80 rounds. Responding police officers engaged Hawver in a shootout, during which he was struck numerous times. Hawver was taken to a local hospital where he remained in critical condition before succumbing to his injuries.
The investigation into the tragic shooting has not uncovered any connection between the shooter, Dakota Hawver, and any of the victims he targeted. Authorities have stated that his motive for the unprovoked attack remains unknown. As Hawver died from the injuries he sustained during the shootout with law enforcement, no arrests were made in the case. The community was left to mourn the senseless loss of life, including that of Justin Aguila, who was remembered by loved ones as an incredible fiancé, a loving son and brother, and a truly loyal friend.
