O.C. bar mass shooter identified as an ex police officer who was targeting his estranged wife

TRABUCO CANYON, Ca. (August 24, 2023): Four are deceased, including the suspect, in a shooting that occurred Wednesday, Aug. 23, in Trabuco Canyon.

Deputies responded to reports of a shooting at 7:04 p.m. at Cook’s Corner in Trabuco Canyon. Deputies arrived to the scene, and dispatchers could hear gunfire in the background as deputies tried to locate the shooter.

Deputies contacted a man armed with a gun. A deputy-involved shooting involving multiple deputies occurred. The suspect was later pronounced deceased at the scene. At this time, the motive for the shooting is unknown. At least one weapon was recovered at the scene.

Deputies began providing lifesaving measures to multiple victims found at the scene. Confirmed four deceased at scene, including the shooter. Six victims were transported to hospitals and five of those were reported to have gunshot wounds.

An officer-involved shooting occurred during the incident. No deputies injured.

The identity of the victims are being withheld pending official identification of by the Coroner Division and notification of next of kin.

The suspect of the Trabuco Canyon shooting is confirmed as John Snowling, 59. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer identified Snowling in a Thursday press conference but he did not indicate what Snowling’s motive was. Snowling is a retired officer from the Ventura Police Department. The Los Angeles Times reported that Snowling was targeting his estranged wife, Marie Snowling, who was reportedly shot in the lower jaw but survived.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing and additional information will be provided, when available.

Per protocol, the investigation of the deputy-involved shooting will be handled by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. Deputies are equipped with body-worn cameras. Footage from the incident will be released in accordance with the law and in consultation with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.