Returning U.S. soldier fatally shot after party

A 22-year-old Army veteran was shot to death in Los Angeles early Sunday during a dispute at a party.

Francisco Garcia was standing on the sidewalk on Dronfield Street, in the Sylmar neighborhood, about 2 a.m., police said, a local CBS affiliate reported.

A dark SUV and a white Toyota or Honda reportedly stopped near the party at Sylmar High School. Police said a Hispanic man exited the SUV, walked over to the white car, retrieved a handgun from another suspect and opened fire on Mr. Garcia, killing him instantly.

“It appears Francisco was the target of the attack,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division, the CBS affiliate reported. “Apparently, a simmering dispute had boiled over during the night, and this suspect came looking for Francisco. Figuring out the dispute should lead us to the shooter.”

The Associated Press quoted police as saying Mr. Garcia had been discharged from Afghanistan over the summer. The news agency also quoted police as saying that initial reports that the party was held to celebrate Mr. Garcia’s return to the United States had not been verified. Friends told the TV news station Mr. Garcia was recently accepted into the California Highway Patrol Academy.

The investigation was ongoing and no arrests had been made. Police had reason to believe the men knew each other prior to the shooting, the station reported.