TEMECULA- The suspect and victim in a shooting murder that occurred at Pechanga Resort Casino were identified as a couple whose baby was in the room when the assault occurred.
On February 21 at approximately 11:00 PM, Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call regarding a male suffering from gunshot wounds at the Pechanga Resort Casino. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a victim lying in the lobby of the resort who was in need of medical attention. The man was immediately transported to the Temecula Valley Hospital, but after arriving, he succumbed to his injuries.
According to a press release from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Sergeant Raymond Huskey reported that a female associated with the male victim was found in the guest room that they shared. She was suffering from non-life –threatening injuries. Investigators from the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit responded and took over the investigation.
On further investigation, the Sheriff’s Department reported that the shooting occurred in a shared guest room and the victim entered the lobby of the resort seeking assistance. On Tuesday, February 24, investigators reported that the victim was Keith Rodman, a 49-year-old Los Angeles resident. The suspect in the incident has been identified as Maria Vihanek, a 32-year-old resident of Wildomar.
Vihanek was treated for self-inflicted wounds before being taken into custody and being booked into a Riverside County Detention facility for murder. According to Sergeant Mike Manning, “The victim and suspect were involved in a dating relationship and had a 6-month-old baby together.” It is reported that the child was in the room at the time of the incident, but was unharmed.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Bowen of the Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955-2777, or Investigator Devine of the Sheriff’s Southwest Station (951) 696-3000.
Read More:
San Bernardino Sun: Victim of Pechanga Casino shooting identified
Press Enterprise: Woman suspected of homicide in casino shooting
