A dealer suspected of shooting two Strip casino executives Sunday during a company picnic at Sunset Park, killing one of them, planned his attack and targeted the victims, according to Metro Police.
Las Vegas Sands Corp., parent company of the Venetian casino-resort, is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the capture of 42-year-old Anthony Wrobel, authorities said.
“This was not a random act of violence,” Metro homicide Lt. Robert Plummer said at a news conference today, noting that the FBI was also looking for Wrobel.
Wrobel, described as disgruntled employee, drove to the park as the picnic was winding down and asked other employees where the executives were sitting, Plummer said. He found them at a gazebo area and without warning pulled a gun and shot the victims at point-blank range before fleeing, Plummer said. Both victims were taken to Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center.
The Clark County Coroner’s Office said 54-year-old Mia Banks, vice president of casino operations, died from gunshot wounds in the chest and head.
Hector Rodriguez, executive director of table games, was critically injured but his condition has been stabilized, Plummer said.
Wrobel’s purple and black Dodge Charger was found about five minutes later at nearby McCarran International Airport, but investigators don’t think he boarded a flight, Plummer said.
Upon searching Wrobel’s property, investigators discovered there was some planning involved in the shooting, Plummer said without further explanation, citing the ongoing investigation.
As for a possible motive, Plummer said, the suspect was a “disgruntled employee, a prime case of workplace violence where somebody was not happy with his condition and he resorted in violence to deal with an issue he was personally having.”
Plummer said Wrobel was armed and dangerous, and anyone who encounters Wrobel should not approach him and instead immediately call 911.
Wrobel is about 5 feet, 9 inches tall and about 200 pounds, police said. At the time of the shooting, he had a mustache and facial hair, Plummer said.
Banks and Rodriguez were with the Venetian when it opened in 1999.
“Mia and Hector have been part of the fabric of the Venetian since our opening,” a statement from Las Vegas Sands said. “They have demonstrated the very best of the Venetian and the Palazzo as leaders and as members of our Las Vegas community.”
“Our hearts are with both families and everyone who has been affected by this senseless act of violence,” the statement said. “We are honoring the families’ requests for privacy during this difficult time.”
Officials said grief counseling would be available throughout the week for employees.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Metro at 702-828-3521 or via email at [email protected]. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or online at crimestoppesrofnv.com.