Tragic Shooting Overshadows Mercedes Giveaway at Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino
Mercedes Giveaway Celebration Turns Tragic at Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino
The Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel in Eagle Pass, located near the Texas-Mexico border, hosted a special event featuring the giveaway of a brand new Mercedes E350. However, the festive atmosphere was shattered when a shooting incident resulted in the deaths of two individuals.
Fatal Shooting Incident Leaves Multiple Victims
Reports from local news revealed that several others, ranging from two to four, were critically injured and airlifted to hospitals in San Antonio for treatment. The Lucky Eagle Casino, owned and operated by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, is the state’s largest casino and offers over 3,300 gaming machines including electronic slots, bingo, and poker. Situated approximately 150 miles south of San Antonio, the casino drew an unusually large crowd on the night of Saturday, September 27.
During the “Mercedes September to Remember” promotion held from 9 p.m. to midnight, attendees had opportunities to win not only the grand prize of a 2025 Mercedes E350 but also hourly cash prizes of $1,000 and a $3,500 grand cash prize. The celebration also featured a live performance by Barracuda TX, a Houston-based Heart tribute band, entertaining the packed venue with classic rock hits.
The shooting occurred shortly after midnight, around 12:15 a.m. on September 28, approximately 30 minutes after the grand prize was awarded. Law enforcement officials confirmed that two people died—one at the scene and another transported to a nearby hospital—and at least seven others sustained gunshot wounds.
An individual considered a person of interest was apprehended later that day in Wilson County, southeast of San Antonio. While some local sources hinted at identifying this person, official authorities from the Maverick County Sheriff’s Office and Eagle Pass Police Department have yet to release any names.
Inside Perspective: Barracuda TX Lead Singer Reflects on the Incident
Rosalia Jeannette Guerra, the lead vocalist of Barracuda TX, shared her firsthand experience of the unsettling events that unfolded. She described how the chaos began about 15 minutes after their performance while the band was engaging with fans and taking photos. Suddenly, they noticed people fleeing the area in panic.
The band members were placed under lockdown for approximately 45 minutes and were only allowed to return to their rooms around 1 a.m. Guerra recounted the eerie silence of the casino, which usually operates 24/7 and is typically bustling with activity. As they were escorted through the venue, the gravity of the situation became clear with armed law enforcement officers present and parts of the casino area cordoned off.
She observed many concerned individuals waiting for transportation or information about loved ones. Guerra expressed deep sympathy for those affected by the tragedy, acknowledging the immense pain experienced by families. Reflecting on the ordeal, she remarked how difficult it was to believe that they had been caught in the middle of such a devastating event.
