In the quiet community of Pleasanton, a tragedy unfolded that left a family shattered and a neighborhood in shock. On the morning of Wednesday, February 18, 2026, police responded to reports of gunfire at a home on Joanne Circle. Inside, they made a grim discovery: 67-year-old Lori Simonds and her 28-year-old son, Evan, were found deceased, both having suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The incident was quickly investigated as a double homicide, leaving friends and the wider community to grapple with the sudden and violent loss.
As investigators delved into the case, a suspect was identified, leading to a swift arrest. Allen Swadley, a 32-year-old man from San Jose, was taken into custody in connection with the killings. Authorities revealed that Swadley had been in a recent dating relationship with a member of the Simonds family, Lori's daughter. While a motive was still under investigation, this connection provided a potential glimpse into the circumstances that may have led to the tragic events. The arrest brought a small measure of relief to a community on edge, though the profound loss for the surviving family member was immeasurable.
Following his arrest, Swadley was booked into the Santa Rita Jail on two counts of murder and was held without bail. During the investigation, multiple firearms were recovered from his vehicle and residence, which were being examined to determine if they were used in the commission of the crime. Swadley, who reportedly had no prior criminal history, was scheduled for arraignment at the East County Hall of Justice in Dublin. The community, meanwhile, rallied around Lori's daughter, the sole surviving member of her immediate family, offering support in the face of such a devastating loss.
