On August 23, 2023, a tragic mass shooting unfolded at Cook’s Corner, a popular bar in Trabuco Canyon, resulting in multiple injuries and the death of the gunman, 60-year-old John Patrick Snowling—a retired Ventura Police Department sergeant. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) has concluded its investigation, determining that the deputies involved acted lawfully and will not face criminal charges.
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El OCSD publica video del tiroteo que ocurrió el pasado 23 de agosto en el bar Cook's Corner.
3 personas murieron y 6 resultaron heridas. El pistolero, identificado como John Patrick Snowling, de 59 años, murió a tiros a manos de los agentes. pic.twitter.com/vcyUDc0JhT— Noticias ¿Qué Pasa? (@NewsQuePasa) October 6, 2023
According to the OCDA’s final report, the incident began during the bar’s weekly “Spaghetti Night” event. Snowling entered the establishment armed with multiple firearms and opened fire on patrons, including his estranged wife, who was among the injured. Witnesses described Snowling as carrying both a revolver and a semi-automatic handgun, later retrieving a shotgun from his truck parked in the upper lot.
The chaos escalated as Snowling fired into the restaurant and outdoor patio areas, striking several victims. Deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department responded within minutes, engaging Snowling in a firefight in the upper parking lot. Surveillance footage and body-worn camera recordings captured the exchange, during which Snowling fired at deputies and was ultimately shot and killed.
The OCDA’s Special Assignments Unit conducted a comprehensive investigation, including interviews with 11 witnesses, forensic analysis, and review of dispatch audio, surveillance footage, and medical records. All seven deputies involved—Brandon Saunders, Christian Moreno, Brandon Espinosa, Daniel Serrano, Mathew Harm, Jesus Carrasco, and Juan Contreras—provided voluntary statements.
District Attorney Todd Spitzer’s office emphasized that the review focused solely on criminal culpability and not on policy, training, or civil liability. The report concluded that the deputies’ use of force was legally justified in response to an active shooter who posed a deadly threat to the public and law enforcement.
John Patrick Snowling was a retired Ventura Police Department sergeant who carried out a mass shooting at Cook’s Corner in Trabuco Canyon on August 23, 2023. His motive appears to have stemmed from a marital dispute with his estranged wife, who was among the victims.
Here’s what’s known about Snowling and the events leading up to the shooting:
The incident was classified as a mass shooting with a personal motive rooted in domestic conflict.
Background
Snowling was 60 years old and had retired from the Ventura Police Department.
He was reportedly proficient with firearms and owned multiple weapons, including handguns and a shotgun.
Motive
The shooting appears to have been triggered by a contentious divorce.
Snowling’s estranged wife was present at Cook’s Corner during the bar’s weekly “Spaghetti Night” and was shot early in the attack.
Witnesses said Snowling had previously made threatening remarks to her, suggesting she would “be dead within a year” due to stress from their separation.
The Attack
Snowling entered the bar armed with two handguns and later retrieved a shotgun from his truck.
He opened fire inside and outside the establishment, killing three people and injuring six others before being fatally shot by responding deputies.
Weapons Used
He used a .380-caliber pistol, a .38-caliber revolver, a .25-caliber pistol, and a 12-gauge shotgun during the attack.
Legal and Investigative Outcome
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office concluded that the deputies involved acted lawfully in using deadly force to stop Snowling.