Veteran shot, killed during party; suspect sought
SYLMAR, LOS ANGELES -- A 21-year-old Army veteran was shot and killed in his Los Angeles neighborhood Sunday. A suspect has not been arrested.
According to authorities, Francisco Garcia was shot and killed after a dispute broke out during a party near his girlfriend's home around 2 a.m. The LAPD first reported that the party was meant as a homecoming celebration for Garcia. Garcia's sister later clarified that he had returned home from a tour of duty in Afghanistan four months ago.
Police said at some point during the night, Garcia and his friends decided to move the party a few blocks away from the home. Garcia was standing on the sidewalk with friends when a dark SUV and a white Honda or Toyota pulled up across the street. A Hispanic man in his 20s exited the SUV and smashed a beer bottle on the ground and yelled at Garcia from across the way. The man then walked over to a white car, was given a handgun by someone inside and began shooting.
Garcia died at the scene, police said. Police are trying to determine details regarding the dispute.
Police believe Garcia and the suspect knew each other.
"They knew each other in some kind of a fashion because there was a dispute going on," said LAPD Det. Juan Santa. "I don't know how well they knew each other."
Detectives said they believe the people inside the two cars had come from another location and had not been at the party earlier in the night.
Neighbors say they heard two sets of gunfire, followed by Garcia's friends screaming for someone to dial 911. Detectives have recovered several bullet casings from the scene. There were no other injuries.
Friends remembered Garcia as a very outgoing person, who had plans to start a family when he returned home.
"I don't know why this would happen to him," said an unidentified friend, who began crying. "I know he really wanted kids too. That's a big thing. He told me he wanted kids when he came back."
A memorial began to grow at the site of the shooting Sunday morning. A vigil for Garcia was expected to be held at 6 p.m.
The LAPD also first reported that Garcia was 22 years old; he was 21.
