Andrew Zatko, an 80-year-old resident of Morro Bay, California, was tragically killed on November 7, 1992. Zatko, a well-liked deep-sea diver known for his heroic efforts in rescuing 19 people from drowning and for donating Morro Bay’s memorial anchor for fishermen lost at sea, met a violent end at the hands of Lynwood Drake. Drake, an unstable actor and gambler, embarked on a deadly shooting spree across three central California coastal towns, driven by a desire for revenge after being
evicted from his rental home by Zatko earlier that year.
The incident began shortly before 6 p.m. when Drake arrived at Zatko's home and shot him in the throat at close range with a revolver. This brutal act was witnessed by Zatko's live-in companion, Gladys Walton. Drake's rampage did not end there; he proceeded to the home of another former tenant, Norman Metcalfe, who had testified against him during the eviction proceedings. Drake killed Metcalfe and continued his spree, targeting individuals at a card-playing club in Paso Robles, ultimately killing six people and wounding one other before taking his own life the following morning.
Drake's actions were premeditated and fueled by a deep sense of grievance. In a suicide note found in his pocket, he identified himself as Jesse Cole Younger, a reference to the outlaw and member of the Jesse James gang, and blamed his victims for the estrangement from his girlfriend and daughter. He expressed his anger and frustration towards his family and society, stating that he had been persecuted his whole life and that his victims had refused to help him.
The investigation into Zatko's death and the subsequent murders revealed that Drake had a history of violent behavior and mental health issues. In June 1991, he had been arrested for assaulting a daycare worker and was sentenced to probation and ordered to complete a mental health program, though there is no indication that he ever did so. His eviction from Zatko's property in May 1992, due to non-payment of rent, seemed to be the catalyst for his deadly rampage.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Morro Bay Police and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office, were involved in the investigation and response to the shootings. The case highlighted the challenges of dealing with individuals with severe mental health issues and the devastating impact of untreated mental illness on both the individuals and their communities. The tragic events of November 7, 1992, left a lasting mark on the Morro Bay community and underscored the importance of addressing mental health concerns to prevent such senseless acts of violence.
