A 31-year-old man from San Jose has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a mother and son in Pleasanton, California, earlier this week, according to Pleasanton police. The victims have been identified as 67-year-old Lori Simonds and her 28-year-old son, Evan Simonds.
Police responded to a residence in the 3100 block of Joanne Circle just after 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, where they discovered both victims suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers found Lori and Evan Simonds deceased at the scene, police said.
The suspect, identified by authorities as Allen Swadley, was taken into custody Thursday evening after an automated license plate reader alerted San Jose police to his vehicle’s location. He was subsequently booked into Santa Rita Jail on suspicion of two counts of murder, according to police statements.
Investigators recovered multiple firearms from Swadley’s vehicle and residence. Authorities have too determined that Swadley had a recent dating relationship with a family member of the victims, though the motive for the shooting remains under investigation.
Evan Simonds was known in the California independent professional wrestling circuit as Lars Luger. News of his death has circulated within the wrestling community, with Ringside News reporting his passing.
Pleasanton Police Chief Tracy Avelar stated, “This outcome is the result of our detectives working nonstop on this case.” She added, “We appreciate the patience of our community as we worked through a rapidly evolving investigation, and I’m proud of the work done to maintain the community safe.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Evan Simonds’ sister, according to reports.
The investigation is ongoing.
