Who was John Leehey? Veteran landscape architect identified as one of three dead in Cook's County mass shooting
TRABUCO CANYON, CALIFORNIA: The identities of the three people who lost their lives in the Trabuco Canyon mass shooting have been officially disclosed. Among the victims was John Leehey, a 67-year-old urban planner and landscape architect originating from Irvine.
According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, John Snowling, 59, travelled from Ohio to California to confront his estranged wife, Marie, at Cook's Corner in Trabuco Canyon. Three adults, including an unidentified woman who was eating with Marie, were killed, and six adults were injured. His wife Marie survived.
The other two victims were identified as Tonya Clark, 49, hailing from Scottsdale, Arizona and Glen Sprowl Jr, 53, who resided in Stanton.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department Coroner Division unveiled the identities on August 25, declaring them deceased at the location of the incident.
What was the time of the Cook's Corner attack?
As per The Orange County Register, the Cook’s Corner attack took place on August 23 around 7pm.
Residing just a few miles away from Cook's Corner, James O'Malley, a real estate consultant, recounted that he accompanied Leehey to the biker bar one evening, driven by the simple desire to enjoy an inexpensive spaghetti dinner, savor a few beers, and relish live music.
As per John's LinkedIn bio, he had over 35 years experience working in the land planning and design industry.
O'Malley remembered Leehey for his fondness for playing the guitar and harmonica, his penchant for the blues, his enthusiasm for golf, and his penchant for poker sessions laced with a touch of whiskey.
When did O'Malley and Leehey reach Cook's Corner?
Upon reaching Cook's Corner at approximately 6 pm, O'Malley and Leehey were joined by their friend Eleni Christianson, a real estate land broker.
Choosing a spot at an outdoor picnic table situated in the back corner of the establishment, the trio settled in. Close by, about 20 other individuals also occupied tables.
The atmosphere was light-hearted and cheerful, with Leehey engaging in discussions about his family and his passion for poker.
He excused himself briefly to fetch some plates of spaghetti and the initial round of beers, leaving O'Malley to reminisce, "The evening was beautiful and everything was great".
How many shots did John Snowling fire?
O'Malley's account of the tragic incident as per ABC7 news, reveals that John Snowling unleashed numerous rounds, punctuated by intervals of reloading, giving the impression of haphazard target practice.
Promptly responding to the emergency, a convoy of law enforcement officers arrived, reminiscent of a "cavalry" and appearing like a "Christmas parade on steroids," as O'Malley described.
In an unexpected turn of events, the air was soon filled with additional gunfire, resembling a confrontation between the officers and Snowling, resembling a full-fledged shootout.
O'Malley recognized the situation was becoming safer when law enforcement personnel entered the bar, which emboldened him to leave the sheltered space he had taken refuge in, presumably the kitchen.