The quiet evening outside the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno turned tragic on August 27
What began as a night out ended with a deadly shooting that left one man dead and another seriously injured. The woman responsible, Carleja Royal, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison, with eligibility for parole after 38 years. This case reveals a chilling sequence of events that unfolded in a public space, captured on surveillance footage, and highlights the consequences of violent actions in a community setting.
On the evening of August 27, 2022, Carleja Royal followed a group of men, including Elaundra Thomas and Jeremiah Sesepasara, into the club area of the Grand Sierra Resort. She stayed inside for only six minutes before returning to her car, where her girlfriend waited. Royal then repositioned the vehicle closer to the breezeway, a strategic move to monitor when the men would leave the pool area.
Royal waited in her car for over an hour, watching the group’s movements. When the men finally walked toward their cars, Royal drove past them and opened fire, shooting ten times. Both Thomas and Sesepasara were struck by the bullets. The entire incident was recorded by casino surveillance cameras, providing clear evidence of the crime.
The Immediate Aftermath
Reno Police Department officers arrived quickly at the scene. They found both men suffering from gunshot wounds and administered lifesaving aid before transporting them to the hospital. Despite these efforts, Elaundra Thomas succumbed to his injuries. Jeremiah Sesepasara survived but faced a long road to recovery.
The shooting shocked the local community, raising concerns about safety around popular entertainment venues. It also sparked discussions about the motives behind such violent acts and the importance of surveillance in solving crimes.
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