On August 23, 2023, a tragic mass shooting occurred at Cook's Corner, a well-known biker bar in Trabuco Canyon, California. Among the victims was 67-year-old John Leehey, an urban planner and landscape architect from Irvine. Leehey was enjoying an evening with friends when the incident unfolded.
The assailant, identified as 59-year-old John Snowling, was a retired sergeant from the Ventura Police Department.
Snowling traveled from Ohio to California, reportedly targeting his estranged wife, Marie, over a domestic dispute. Upon arriving at Cook's Corner, he shot his wife, who survived the attack, and then began firing indiscriminately at other patrons. In addition to Leehey, two other individuals lost their lives: Tonya Clark, 49, of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Glen Sprowl Jr., 53, of Stanton, California.
Snowling was armed with multiple firearms, including three handguns and a shotgun. When deputies from the Orange County Sheriff's Department arrived at the scene, Snowling fired at them, striking at least one patrol vehicle. In the ensuing confrontation, deputies returned fire, resulting in Snowling's death at the scene. The swift response by law enforcement likely prevented further loss of life.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the community mourned the loss of Leehey, remembered by friends and family as a cheerful individual who brightened every room he entered. A GoFundMe campaign was established to support his family during this difficult time.
The investigation into the incident revealed that Snowling had driven from Ohio to California with the intent to confront his estranged wife. The Orange County Sheriff's Department conducted searches at a residence associated with Snowling in Camarillo, California, processing multiple items of evidence. The tragic event at Cook's Corner has left a lasting impact on the Trabuco Canyon community, prompting discussions on domestic violence and gun control measures.
