Three people were tragically killed and six others wounded in a mass shooting that took place at Cook’s Corner, a beloved bar and grill in Trabuco Canyon, California. The gunman responsible for the attack was fatally shot by Orange County sheriff’s deputies. Here’s what we know about the events that unfolded:
The incident occurred during the evening at Cook’s Corner, a popular establishment known for its biker clientele, as well as being a cherished community spot. The bar was hosting its widely-loved Spaghetti Night Special and featuring live entertainment from the band M Street.
Marie Snowling, who was in the process of divorcing her husband, John Snowling, a retired police sergeant, was present at Cook’s Corner along with a friend. John Snowling had recently traveled from his Ohio home to Southern California.
Armed with two handguns, John Snowling entered the bar and immediately targeted his wife and her friend, without engaging in any conversation or argument. Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes stated, He walked directly to her. There was not a discussion, dialogue or argument. He immediately fired upon her, striking her once. He proceeded to shoot her friend, who tragically collapsed outside the bar and later succumbed to her injuries. Fortunately, Marie Snowling survived being shot in the jaw and was conscious and able to speak at the hospital.
The gunman then randomly shot other patrons inside the bar and continued shooting outside. Emergency dispatchers were flooded with distress calls reporting an active shooter at Cook’s Corner, prompting firefighters and sheriff’s deputies to swiftly respond to the scene. Deputies, armed with their tactical gear and trained in active-shooter tactics, quickly implemented their training to tackle the unfolding situation. They split up to provide cover for each other and flank the shooter.
Ultimately, deputies located the shooter in the upper parking lot outside the bar. John Snowling had retrieved additional weapons, including a shotgun and a handgun, from his truck. He had also fatally shot a man who had apparently tried to confront him. As the deputies arrived, Snowling opened fire on them, and they returned fire, ultimately killing him. Although none of the deputies were injured, one of Snowling’s rounds did penetrate the windshield of a patrol cruiser.
Firefighters arrived at the scene and the deputies secured it, allowing paramedics to safely provide medical treatment to the wounded. Six injured individuals were transported to Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, with two in critical condition and four in stable condition. Paramedics managed to offload the sixth patient at the hospital within an astonishing 46 minutes.
The extensive response involved over 80 patrol units and 100 deputies who assisted with various aspects, such as crime-scene management, providing aid to the injured, and aiding the ongoing investigation. Investigators have recovered around 75 shell casings and have interviewed approximately 40 witnesses. Additionally, a search warrant was executed at John Snowling’s residence in Camarillo.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are reviewing body camera footage from the deputies involved. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is conducting a standard review of the fatal officer-involved shooting to ensure adherence to proper laws and procedures. Thus far, District Attorney Todd Spitzer has expressed the initial impression that deputies took necessary action to neutralize the threat, emphasizing their heroic actions.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this horrifying incident, it is important to acknowledge the bravery and rapid response of law enforcement and first responders. The impact of such incidents resonates deeply, and efforts to understand and prevent such tragedies will continue.
