On the early morning hours of May 1, 2025, the Reno community was struck by a shocking act of violence that left 34-year-old Oscar Henderson dead outside the Silver Legacy Casino in downtown Reno. Known for his dedication to youth mentorship and local arts, Henderson’s life was tragically cut short when he was shot in an unprovoked attack. As police work tirelessly to solve the case, the city’s residents are left grieving the loss of a beloved community member.
Henderson, a resident of nearby Sparks, Nevada, was exiting the Silver Legacy Casino shortly before 2 a.m. when a dark-colored sedan approached him. Surveillance footage from nearby security cameras captured the moment the vehicle pulled up beside him, and a suspect emerged, firing multiple shots at Henderson before speeding away northbound. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, Henderson was pronounced dead at the scene.
Reno Police Department (RPD) officers were on-site within three minutes of receiving a 911 call reporting gunfire, and investigators soon began processing the area. Eight 9mm shell casings and a single projectile were recovered from the scene. Forensic experts have been working diligently to gather evidence, including DNA and fingerprint samples, though no weapon has been found.
Oscar Henderson’s legacy was one of community service and dedication. As an events coordinator for local festivals in Sparks, Henderson helped organize countless activities that brought people together. In addition, he volunteered as a basketball coach for at-risk teens, working tirelessly to provide mentorship and guidance to youth in need. Friends and colleagues describe him as charismatic, generous, and always ready to lend a helping hand.
“Oscar believed in this community,” said Marisol Ruiz, a longtime friend. “He spent weekends organizing free art workshops for kids. His loss is immeasurable.” Henderson’s work with youth and his role in fostering a sense of community make his untimely death all the more heartbreaking. He is survived by his mother, two younger sisters, and a wide circle of friends, family, and mentees who mourn his passing.
The Reno Police Department has launched an intensive investigation into the shooting. Police Chief Serena Morales emphasized the department’s commitment to bringing Henderson’s killer to justice. “We will use every resource at our disposal — including surveillance footage, forensics, and tips from the public — to identify the individual responsible for this senseless crime,” she said. Detectives have already interviewed more than a dozen witnesses and are reviewing hours of security footage from the downtown area in search of clues.
In the days following the shooting, the community of Reno has come together to support Henderson’s family and to demand justice. Local businesses, many of which have seen firsthand the impact of Henderson’s community work, expressed shock at the violence that struck the area. “I’ve worked here for 15 years and never felt unsafe,” said Carlos Vega, the manager of a nearby restaurant. “Oscar’s death is a terrible wake-up call for us all.”
As a mark of respect for Henderson and his contributions, local advocacy groups have organized a candlelight vigil at the Silver Legacy’s main entrance, set for Friday evening. The vigil will serve as an opportunity for residents to honor Henderson’s legacy of service to the community, as well as a call for greater safety measures in downtown Reno. Organizers have requested better lighting and increased police patrols, particularly during late-night hours when such tragedies can occur.
The fatal shooting marks the second homicide in downtown Reno in 2025, adding to concerns about the safety of the city’s entertainment districts. In March, a bar altercation on West Street led to the death of another man. While overall crime rates in Reno have seen a slight decline year-over-year, incidents of violence in high-traffic areas like downtown have drawn increased attention from local leaders.
In response, Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve issued a statement, expressing her condolences to Henderson’s family and acknowledging the gravity of the situation. “Oscar’s murder is a tragedy for our entire region,” Mayor Schieve said. “We will work closely with the Reno Police Department, business owners, and community groups to ensure that our streets are safe for both residents and visitors.”
As the investigation continues, RPD officers are focusing on gathering additional evidence that may shed light on the identity of the shooter. Forensic analysis, including ballistics comparisons of the recovered casings, is expected to be completed within the next two weeks. Meanwhile, the Reno Police Department is encouraging the public to submit any tips they may have about the incident. A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest.
The case is not only being investigated by the Reno Police Department but has also gained attention from the broader public. Several local news outlets, including ABC and the Reno Gazette-Journal, have reported on the tragedy, interviewing Henderson’s family and friends. The media’s role in spreading awareness of the crime and encouraging witnesses to come forward has been a crucial part of the investigation.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Reno residents remain determined to honor Henderson’s memory and continue his work in the community. His legacy of mentorship, art, and volunteerism will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. The need for justice, however, remains the community’s top priority as they await answers.
With the investigation continuing and the search for Henderson’s killer underway, the Reno community has united in both grief and determination. From the residents who gathered in support of the victim’s family to the police officers working tirelessly to bring closure to this tragedy, the city stands together in the wake of an overwhelming loss. As the community reflects on Henderson’s life and the impact he had on others, they remain hopeful that justice will be served.
In addition to the ongoing investigation, the city council has announced plans to review safety measures and consider proposals to improve lighting and enhance patrols in downtown Reno. These measures, officials hope, will help prevent future violence in entertainment areas and ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy the city in safety.
The Reno community’s collective effort to find justice for Oscar Henderson continues, as investigators remain dedicated to piecing together the details of that tragic night. The coming days will be critical in determining the outcome of the investigation and bringing the responsible party to justice.
