California independent wrestler Evan Simonds, 28 — known on the indie scene as Lars Luger — was shot and killed inside a Pleasanton, California home this week. His mother, 67-year-old Lori Simonds, was also found dead at the scene.
According to ABC 7 News, Police say officers responded just after 10 a.m. Wednesday to a residence on the 3100 block of Joanne Circle, where they discovered both victims suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
By Friday, authorities announced that a 31-year-old San Jose man had been arrested on suspicion of two counts of murder. Detectives identified him as the suspect later Wednesday and obtained a warrant for his arrest.
The arrest came Thursday evening after an automated license plate reader alert notified San Jose police that the suspect’s vehicle had been located. Officers conducted a traffic stop and took him into custody. He was later booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Investigators say multiple firearms were recovered from the suspect’s vehicle and residence. Police also determined that he had a recent dating relationship with a family member of the victims. The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation. Pleasanton Police Chief Tracy Avelar addressed the development in an official statement:
“This outcome is the result of our detectives working nonstop on this case.”
“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.”
Authorities have not released the suspect’s name, as he has not yet been arraigned.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist Simonds’ sister following the loss of both her brother and mother.
The investigation remains active as police continue working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting. What are your thoughts on this developing case? Let us know in the comments.