Orange County DA Confirms Deputies Justified in Fatal Shootout

UPDATE: In a significant development, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office has confirmed that deputies acted justifiably during a fatal shootout with gunman John Patrick Snowling at Cook’s Corner on August 23, 2023. This report, released late Tuesday, details the harrowing events that unfolded as Snowling, a retired police officer, unleashed chaos, shooting nine people and killing three.

The report provides a chilling moment-by-moment account of the gunbattle, which began when Snowling entered the popular biker bar brandishing both a revolver and a semiautomatic handgun. Eyewitness accounts reveal that he had come looking for his estranged wife, Marie Snowling, who was among the victims. “I could hear the sounds of rounds flying past me,” recalled Deputy Mathew Harm, who was on the scene.

Authorities reported that Snowling had previously threatened his wife, stating she would be dead within a year due to stress he would cause. Shockingly, he fired a shot that struck her in the jaw, but she survived the attack. As he moved through the bar, Snowling indiscriminately fired at patrons before fleeing outside, where he encountered a pregnant woman hiding in a truck. “Please don’t kill me,” she pleaded, and he allowed her to flee.

Multiple deputies responded to emergency calls, including Brandon Saunders, Christian Moreno, Brandon Espinosa, and others, engaging Snowling as he shot at them with a shotgun. “I was in fear for my life,” Espinosa stated, as they took cover behind their patrol cars.

The shootout escalated as Snowling sought refuge behind a tree, but deputies ultimately fatally shot him when he emerged to fire again. The investigation found that Deputy Lopez retrieved a loaded Beretta from Snowling’s back pocket, confirming he posed a continual threat.

The DA’s report underscores the deputies’ actions as justified, stating, “Snowling was a lethal threat to the deputies and the civilians in the area.” The report is heavily redacted, but it has sparked significant discussions about the incident’s implications for public safety and law enforcement responses.

As this story develops, the emotional toll on the victims and their families remains profound. Survivors and witnesses are grappling with the aftermath of the violence that shattered the community. The Cook’s Corner shooting has reignited conversations about gun violence and mental health, emphasizing the urgent need for preventive measures.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by both civilians and law enforcement in active shooter situations. The community continues to heal as the full ramifications of that fateful night become clearer. Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge.