On August 23, 2023, Tonya Clark, aged 49, was tragically killed during a mass shooting at Cook's Corner, a well-known biker bar in Trabuco Canyon, California. Clark, a single mother from Scottsdale, Arizona, was at the establishment celebrating her birthday with friends when the incident occurred. She had recently relocated back to Southern California and was set to begin a new job the following day.
Clark was dining with Marie Snowling, the estranged wife of the shooter, when the attack unfolded.
The perpetrator, identified as 59-year-old John Snowling, a retired sergeant from the Ventura Police Department, entered Cook's Corner armed with multiple firearms. Snowling's primary target was his estranged wife, Marie, whom he shot upon arrival. Marie Snowling survived the attack despite being shot in the face. Tonya Clark, seated with Marie at the time, was also shot. After being wounded, Clark managed to exit the bar and reach the roadway but succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter.
Following the initial shootings, Snowling continued his rampage both inside and outside the bar, indiscriminately firing at patrons. He retrieved additional weapons from his vehicle during the assault. The attack resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including Clark, and injuries to six others. The other deceased victims were identified as 67-year-old John Leehey of Irvine and 53-year-old Glen Sprowl Jr. of Stanton. Responding swiftly to the scene, Orange County Sheriff's deputies engaged Snowling in a gunfire exchange, ultimately shooting and killing him.
Investigations revealed that Snowling had traveled from Ohio to California with the intent to confront his estranged wife over domestic disputes. Marie Snowling had filed for divorce in December 2022, and the couple had been separated since November 2020. The tragic event has left the community in mourning, with memorials and services held to honor the victims. A GoFundMe campaign was established to support Clark's 13-year-old son, highlighting her role as a devoted mother and her excitement about the new chapter she was about to begin in Southern California.
