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Cook’s Corner posts emotional video sending condolences to mass shooting victims

August 28, 2023

The general manager of Cook’s Corner, in an emotional video Sunday, offered condolences to all affected by the “most horrific act by one man who has changed the lives of so many,” after a gunman last week shot his estranged wife at the roadhouse grill and then continued firing, killing three people and injuring six.

The video was posted on general manager Rhonda Palmeri’s Facebook page. She sighed heavily as it began, and her voice cracked and she looked to be fighting back tears at times.

“I would like to send my most sincere condolences to the families of Tonya, Glen and John, and all the injured, and those fighting for their lives and the friends and family of Cook’s Corner who were here Wednesday, August 23 for the most horrific act by one man who has changed the lives of so many,” she said.

“We would like to thank everyone for all your love, support and prayers.”

John Leehey, 67, of Irvine, Glen Sprowl Jr., 53, of Stanton and Tonya Clark, 49, of Scottsdale, Arizona were killed when retired Ventura Police Department Sgt. John Snowling marched into the iconic biker and family restaurant Wednesday evening and without uttering a word, opened fire on his wife and others, Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes said.

“The outpouring of love and support from our community has truly been amazing,” Palmeri went on to say in the video, also praising “the quick actions of our first responders and Orange County law enforcement.”

Palmeri said “a private, intimate gathering with family and friends” is being planned for those who were at Cook’s Corner that terrible evening.

“We still do not have an opening date planned yet,” she added. “We will notify the community as soon as possible.”

More than 70 Orange County sheriff’s vehicles and 100 deputies responded to Cook’s Corner after getting the initial 911 call at 7:04 p.m., Barnes said last week. Two minutes later, they encountered Snowling and by 7:08 p.m., deputies had shot him. He died in a barrage of police bullets after pulling a 12-gauge shotgun on the deputies.

Seven deputies shot and killed him. At least one of Snowling’s rounds hit a sheriff’s SUV. In all, 75 casings were found.

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The tragedy has sent the community of Trabuco Canyon reeling.

Zeke Rich, an engineer and motorcycle rider, called Cook’s Corner “neutral ground” where anyone from any background was welcome. The colorful bar has long been among the most iconic Western-style roadhouses in Southern California.

Bikers who frequent Cook’s Corner said they are planning a memorial, but details, including a date and time, are to be determined.

A community prayer service was held at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest last week. A long procession of bikers rode their motorcycles to the church campus, some wearing Cook’s Corner hats and shirts, and greeting and hugging one another before heading inside.

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Cook’s Corner posts emotional video sending condolences to mass shooting victims

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