July 2024 trial date set in Hardrock casino floor shooting

A Santa Cruz security guard is denying a murder charge despite being seen on video shooting South Lake Tahoe resident Omar Reyes Garcia in the middle of a casino.

Edgar Julian Delgado, 25, allegedly shot Reyes Garcia at the former Hard Rock Casino at Stateline on March 25.

A trial is set for 10 days starting on July 16, 2024.

In casino security footage that has been shown in court, there appears to be an argument between Delgado and Reyes Garcia near the main bar, before Delgado pulled a handgun and shot Reyes Garcia.

Delgado then fled the casino and was arrested in El Dorado County.

The incident shut down the Stateline casino corridor as surrounding agencies responded to what was originally reported as a mass casualty event.

If convicted, Delgado could face life in prison. 

Delgado has been held without bail in Douglas County custody since he was extradited from California on March 29.

He was bound over after an Aug. 24 hearing where attorney Thomas Viloria. Alcohol was a factor in the shooting, though Delgado was never tested. His girlfriend was arrested for DUI in El Dorado County.

Investigator Brandon Williamson testified Garcia and Delgado appeared on security footage to be showing each other their tattoos when at some point Delgado lifted his shirt and took out a handgun.

Delgado allegedly pulled back the slide, ejecting a cartridge, before replacing it in his waistband at least three times, according to Williamson.

Crime scene investigators later found five unspent rounds on the floor of the casino.