Capitol casino robber faces life in prison for murdering security guard
On August 22, 2022, Sean Bernal, a 27-year-old security guard at the Capitol Casino in Sacramento, California, was shot and killed while trying to stop a robbery.
His killer, Dawan Pecot, 38, was found guilty of first-degree murder this week in Sacramento Superior Court.
After Pequot tried to rob the casino on North 16th Street in the Sacramento River District, Bernal used a Taser to remove him from the casino, according to prosecutors. Outside, Pequot pointed his gun at the security guard and strode back to the casino.
Pequot walked up to the cash register and pointed a gun at a casino employee. Bernal attempted to electrocute his attacker, who then shot him in the neck, killing him.
Assaulted by police
Pequot stole more than $38,000 before running away while being chased by casino employees. Pequot tried to hide in the car and when police arrived on scene, he escaped and shot the employee.
Pequot tried to flee on foot, but was tackled to the ground and arrested by police. Rescue crews provided medical aid to Bernal, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Bernar was the father of a one-year-old daughter at the time of his death. In an August 2022 interview with FOX40, Bernal's mother, Susan Bernal, described her son as a hero who loved his job.
"It's my understanding that Sean left the casino and went back to try to save the car dealership, the workers, his co-workers, anyone he could save," Susan Bernal said. "He wouldn't do that." Could have lived with himself and gone home that night or that day knowing that he didn't do anything and someone else was killed. That's why I'm a little angry. But I understand why you did it, but I was a little angry that he did it. "
Pequot faces a maximum penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole. His sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2024.
Previous shooting
There have been a number of shootings at the Capitol Casino over the past 10 years. In November 2016, casino employee Nicholas Broadway was shot and killed outside the casino.
Broadway was caught up in a shootout between an off-duty Sacramento police officer and Luis Alfonso Castillo, who was later sentenced to 40 years in prison for second-degree murder.
In July 2021, local resident Renee Walker was shot outside the club and died of her injuries three days later. Arviel Robertson, 36, was arrested in Texas and charged with murder in connection with that shooting.
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Source: www.casino.org
