Pleasanton Shooting: Man Arrested in Fatal Mother-Son Deaths – Lars Luger

The Pleasanton, California, community is reeling after a tragic shooting earlier this week claimed the lives of a mother and son. Lori Simonds, 67, and her son, Evan Simonds, 28, were found dead Wednesday morning in their home, and a suspect has now been taken into custody.

Allen Swadley, 31, of San Jose, has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the deaths, according to Pleasanton Police. The shooting occurred just after 10:00 a.m. At a residence in the 3100 block of Joanne Circle. Officers responding to a report of gunshots discovered the two victims suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

The news has sent shockwaves through the independent professional wrestling community, as Evan Simonds was known in the ring as Lars Luger. He was a California-based wrestler who had built a following within the indie circuit. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Simonds’ sister following the devastating loss.

Police quickly identified Swadley as a person of interest and obtained an arrest warrant. He was apprehended Thursday evening after an automated license plate reader alerted San Jose police to a vehicle he was traveling in. Swadley was taken into custody without incident and subsequently booked into Santa Rita Jail, where he is being held without bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday, February 24th.

Investigators have revealed that Swadley had a recent dating relationship with a family member of the victims, providing a potential motive for the shooting. During the investigation, authorities recovered multiple firearms from both Swadley’s vehicle and his residence. Testing is underway to determine if any of these weapons were used in the commission of the crime.

“This outcome is the result of our detectives working nonstop on this case,” Pleasanton Police Chief Tracy Avelar said in a statement. “We appreciate the patience of our community as we worked through a rapidly evolving investigation, and I’m proud of the work done to keep the community safe.”

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and establish a definitive motive. Police have stated that Swadley has no prior criminal history. The discovery of multiple firearms raises questions about access and potential planning, aspects that detectives are actively exploring.

The deaths of Lori and Evan Simonds have left a void in the Pleasanton community and within the independent wrestling world. Lars Luger, as Evan Simonds was known in the ring, had cultivated a dedicated fanbase through his performances. The GoFundMe campaign launched to support his sister reflects the outpouring of support from those who knew him and his family.

The case highlights the complexities of domestic-related violence and the devastating consequences that can arise from troubled relationships. The fact that Swadley had a prior connection to the victims’ family adds another layer of tragedy to the situation.

As of today, February 23rd, the investigation is focused on forensic analysis of the recovered firearms and a thorough examination of Swadley’s background and potential connections to the victims. Authorities are seeking to understand the full scope of the relationship between Swadley and the Simonds family, hoping to uncover any warning signs or escalating tensions that may have contributed to the tragic outcome.

The Pleasanton Police Department has extended its condolences to the family and friends of Lori and Evan Simonds, acknowledging the profound loss experienced by those who knew them. The community is left to grapple with the senseless violence and to support one another in the wake of this heartbreaking event.